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

One of them was Jagadish Harijan, 25, in the first year of his training course.

From Washington Post • Oct. 2, 2021

Harijan learned that when he was away, she would wear makeup and flirt with other boys in the village.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2015

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2015

He became Gandhi's close personal adviser and "Boswell," edited the Gandhi weekly, Harijan.

From Time Magazine Archive

Two weeks ago, as part of a week-long celebration of Gandhi's birth, all India observed an official Harijan Day.

From Time Magazine Archive