Who termed (said) Mahatma Gandhi as 'Mahatma' for the first time?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
Rabindra Nath Tagore, the renowned poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, is widely credited with bestowing the honorific title 'Mahatma' upon Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This significant event occurred in 1915, shortly after Gandhi's return to India from South Africa. Tagore recognized Gandhi's profound spiritual depth, unwavering commitment to truth (Satyagraha), and his selfless service to humanity. The term 'Mahatma' means 'Great Soul' or 'Venerable One,' and it perfectly encapsulated the reverence and admiration Tagore felt for Gandhi's extraordinary character and his unique approach to political and social reform. It was through Tagore's influential writing and public acknowledgment that this title gained widespread acceptance and became synonymous with Gandhi.

The incorrect option is 1:
Jawahar Lal Nehru was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and the first Prime Minister of independent India. While he was a close associate and political heir of Mahatma Gandhi, he was not the one who first conferred the title 'Mahatma' upon him. Nehru deeply respected Gandhi and played a crucial role in implementing his vision for India, but the original appellation came from Tagore.

The incorrect option is 2:
Subash Chandra Bose was another significant figure in India's independence movement, known for his more radical approach. He held deep respect for Mahatma Gandhi and famously addressed him as the "Father of the Nation" when seeking his blessings for the Indian National Army. However, Bose was not the one to initially term Gandhi as 'Mahatma'. His relationship with Gandhi, while respectful, also had ideological differences.

The incorrect option is 3:
Vallabh Bhai Patel, also known as the "Iron Man of India," was a stalwart leader of the Indian National Congress and played a pivotal role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. He was a trusted disciple of Mahatma Gandhi and greatly admired his leadership. Nevertheless, it was not Vallabh Bhai Patel who first used the title 'Mahatma' for Gandhi; that distinction belongs to Rabindra Nath Tagore.