Indian Opinion

Working as a lawyer in the Natal province, Gandhi organized the publication in 1904 with the aim of educating European communities in South Africa about Indian needs and issues.

Madanjit Viyavaharik, the owner of the International Printing Press and the first issue was out on June 4, 1903, and hit the streets two days later.

[3] The Indian Opinion began by adopting a very moderate tone, reiterating its faith in common law and seeking not to provoke the hostility of the officials in Smuts's administration.

Editorials tackled the discrimination and harsh conditions prevalent in the agricultural estates where indentured Indians were employed.

Cases of harsh treatment by employers were publicized and the astoundingly high rate of suicide amongst Indians was pointed out.

A campaign to end the system was launched and editor Henry Polak, a friend of Gandhi's, went to India to mobilise support.

Its pages paid tribute to local resisters and Brian Gabriel, one of Natal's earliest Indian photographers, provided visual coverage.

Indian Opinion continued to publish for many decades and played a significant role in the wider civil rights struggle of South Africa.