Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?

The annual meeting of Indian National Congress was being held. Raj Kumar Shukla from Champaran apprised Gandhiji of appalling conditions of share-croppers there. Gandhiji reached there. He came to know that the large estates were owned by the Englishmen and the Indians worked as their tenant farmers. They were required to pay 15% of their land yields. Gandhiji and the lawyers investigated into the grievances of the farmers. The Britishers decided that 25 per cent of the money would be refunded. The farmers became bold when they got their rights. Within a few years, the landlords relinquished their claims over the estates and the farmers became the owners.

Gandhiji viewed the social, economic and cultural backwardness of the area. He appointed volunteers to teach the villagers. Kasturba taught the Ashram rules and personal cleanliness and community sanitation. A doctor volunteered his services for six months to improve the health conditions of the people. They realized the value of self reliance. The lawyers helped the peasants in their cases. Women offered him whole hearted support. The countrymen embarked on the task of national freedom movement. It became a turning point in Gandhiji’s life (Career).