Mahatma Gandhi met Ayyankali during his fifth and final visit to Kerala.

On 14 January 1937, Mahatma Gandhi met Ayyankali during his fifth and final visit to Kerala.

The meeting took place at Ayyankali’s native village, Venganoor, in Thiruvananthapuram, following the historic Temple Entry Proclamation.

Deeply impressed by his tireless service, Gandhi honored Ayyankali with the title “Pulaya Raja” (King of Pulayas).

He praised Ayyankali as an “indefatigable worker” and acknowledged that his struggles brought significant progress to oppressed communities in Travancore.

During the visit, Gandhi also toured the school established by Ayyankali at Venganoor for Dalit children, recognizing his efforts in promoting education.
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