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Primary sourceSpeech21 April 1915

Reception Speech in Madras

Mahatma Gandhi · 21 April 1915

Gandhi's own speech given on his return to India in 1915, thanking Madras for its welcome.

This is Gandhi's own speech, delivered in his voice on his return to India.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This is a transcription of a speech given by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 at a reception in Madras, shortly after his return to India from South Africa. The text is preserved on Wikisource among his collected speeches.

Why it matters

The speech captures Gandhi's own words at a key moment: his arrival in India as a public figure already known for his work abroad. He speaks of gratitude, his teacher's inspiration, and dedicating his life to the people who welcomed him.

Look closer

  • What tone does Gandhi use when thanking his hosts?
  • What does he say about his 'Master' and why might that matter to him?
  • Why might a returning activist choose to speak so warmly and humbly in public?

This speech is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Mahatma Gandhi on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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