Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as **Frontier Gandhi**, was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on February 6, 1890, in Utmanzai, in the North-West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan).
Ghaffar Khan belonged to a noble Pashtun family. He was educated at missionary schools and was inspired by the ideals of service and reform. From an early age, he dedicated his life to uplifting the status of the Pashtun community, focusing on education and non-violence.
Ghaffar Khan became active in national politics during the Khilafat Movement. He later joined the Indian National Congress and became a strong advocate for non-violent resistance. His beliefs closely aligned with Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of **Ahimsa**.
In 1929, he founded the **Khudai Khidmatgar** (Servants of God) movement. It was a non-violent army of red-clad volunteers who worked for the social upliftment and freedom of India, especially among the Pashtun community.
Ghaffar Khan played a crucial role in mobilizing people in the North-West Frontier Province. He was arrested multiple times by the British for his role in civil disobedience. He opposed the partition of India and wished for Hindu-Muslim unity.
After 1947, he chose to stay in Pakistan but faced political suppression due to his opposition to the Pakistani government's policies. He was imprisoned several times and lived a life of simplicity and service.
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan passed away on January 20, 1988. He was buried in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, as per his wish. He remains a symbol of peace, unity, and non-violence. He was honored with the **Bharat Ratna** (India's highest civilian award) in 1987.