India 2

“To other countries I may go as a tourist, but to India I come as a pilgrim.”  - Martin Luther King, Jr., February 10, 1959

During the month-long tour, King met with Indian officials, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhian activists, and African students studying in Mumbai.  His travel throughout India introduced King and his travel companions Coretta Scott King and L. D. Reddick to “abject, despairing poverty.” However, his commitment to non-violent action was fortified as he had opportunities to discuss political ideologies in Patna and Gaya, to take rest at Mani Bhavan-Gandhi's home in Mumbai, and visit with Harijan (Scheduled Caste/Untouchables) villages.