When the second World war started, the British government sought assistance in the war from the Congress party. Congress leaders thought of putting many conditions before offering any help. However, Gandhiji had to begin Individual Satyagraha movement because the British declared India at war without consulting the Congress. He declared Vinobha Bhave as the first Satyagrahi. During the war period many Japanese and Chinese visitors came to see Gandhiji to find out as to how non-violence could be effective in such a situation. In 1942,Gandhiji called upon the British to quit India finally as rulers and launched the famous "Quit India" movement. Gandhiji was arrested. On release from prison in 1944,he came to Sevagram. The British transferred power in India in 1947 and ceased to be the rulers of India.
When Gandhiji was in prison at Pune, his wife had planted one sapling of Tulsi plant. Gandhiji brought that plant with him to Sevagram and replanted it near his hut.
During the Quit India movement many Khadi cloth shops and production centres were burnt. Poor people had to suffer a lot. It was a matter of concern for Gandhiji. After coming out of the prison, he, therefore, advised that instead of producing Khadi for sale, Khadi should be produced in the villages for village primarily for village use, so that no centralised authority could attack it. Like food, cloth should be available in each village. Thus making each village a unit self-reliant in its basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, etc., and having its own management.
The first six months of independence were very crucial. There were numerous problems facing the country. Gandhiji tried to imbibe politics with spiritual values. He wanted that man should live peacefully and the kingdom of love be established on earth.
It is said that the nobler the task, the greater are the hurdles. Gandhiji's aim and activities were clear and well laid out; therefore opposition to him was also equally strong. However, this, as usual, made him not only more determined, but showed his greatness.