Khudai Khidmatgar” translates to “Servants of God” in English. It refers to a nonviolent movement founded by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Bacha Khan, in the early 20th century. The Khudai Khidmatgar movement was a part of the broader Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.

Here’s a brief overview of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement:

1. Founding and Philosophy: The Khudai Khidmatgar movement was founded in 1929 by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a prominent leader in the Indian independence struggle and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. The movement was based on the principles of nonviolence, social reform, and service to humanity.

2. Nonviolent Resistance: Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, the Khudai Khidmatgars were committed to achieving independence through peaceful means. They opposed British rule in India without resorting to armed struggle.

3. Civil Disobedience: The Khudai Khidmatgars actively participated in the civil disobedience movements against the British, engaging in nonviolent protests, strikes, and acts of civil resistance. They faced brutal repression from the colonial authorities.

4. Red Shirt Movement: Members of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement were often called “Red Shirts” due to the distinctive red uniforms they wore during their protests and demonstrations. The red shirts symbolized their commitment to nonviolence and solidarity.

5. Bacha Khan’s Leadership: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as Bacha Khan or the “Frontier Gandhi,” was a charismatic leader who played a crucial role in uniting the Pashtuns against British rule. He advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and opposed the partition of India in 1947.

6. Post-Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, the Khudai Khidmatgar movement faced challenges in the new political landscape. The region where they were active, including the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan), experienced political and social upheavals.

7. Legacy: The Khudai Khidmatgar movement left a lasting legacy of nonviolent resistance and social activism. Bacha Khan’s philosophy continues to inspire movements for peace, justice, and communal harmony in the Indian subcontinent.

The Khudai Khidmatgar movement remains an important chapter in the history of nonviolent struggle for independence in South Asia, highlighting the power of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.