Harijan

American  

[har-i-jan] / ˈhær ɪˌdʒæn /

Sometimes harijan

noun

PLURAL

Harijans,

PLURAL

Harijan

1. Disparaging and Offensive. (in India) a member of a group formerly known as the untouchables: Harijan is a term used by Mohandas K. Gandhi but now considered condescending.

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Harijan British  

/ ˈhʌrɪdʒən /

noun

1. a member of certain classes in India, formerly considered inferior and untouchable See scheduled castes

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Etymology

Origin of Harijan

First recorded in 1930–35; from Neo-Sanskrit harijana “person of Hari” (a name for Vishnu), hence, in Gandhi's conception, a child of God

Example Sentences

He rejected the term Harijans, which had been applied to them by Gandhi, to their minds patronisingly.

From The Guardian

"After the wedding, everyone tells you, 'You have responsibilities now,'" said Harijan, who remarried and has three children.

From Los Angeles Times

An artist with a painted face takes part in a protest demanding the safety of artist Manish Harijan and supporting his freedom of expression, near the Kathmandu District Administration Office, Nepal.

From BBC

“There can be no room for selfishness, anger, lack of faith, or impatience in a pure fast,” he wrote in Harijan.

From New York Times

Mr. Gandhi referred to the Untouchable as “Harijan,” which means “God’s Creature.”

From New York Times