Read the passage below and answer questions:

On the 15th August 1947, Mahatma Gandhi did not participate in any of the Independence Day celebrations. He was in Kolkata in the areas which were torn by gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims. He was saddened by the communal violence and disheartened that the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (active but non-violent resistance) that he had lived and worked for, had failed to bind the people in troubled times. Gandhiji went on to persuade the Hindus and Muslims to give up violence. His presence in Kolkata greatly improved the situation, and the coming of independence was celebrated in a spirit of communal harmony with joyous dancing in the streets. Ganghiji's prayer meetings attracted large crowds. But this was short- lived as riots between Hindus and Muslims erupted once again and Gandhiji had to resort to a fast to bring peace.

Why did Mahatma Gandhi not participate in any of the Independence Day celebrations?

(A) He was in Kolkata in the areas which were torn by gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims.
(B) He was saddened by the communal violence
(C) Non-violence as a principle had failed to bind the people in troubled times.
(D) Gandhiji only persuaded Hindus to lay down arms.

Chose the correct options given below:

(A), (B), and (C) Only

The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B), and (C) Only

• (A) He was in Kolkata in the areas which were torn by gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims. The passage states, "He was in Kolkata in the areas which were torn by gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims." This is the direct reason for his location on that day.

• (B) He was saddened by the communal violence. The passage explicitly says, "He was saddened by the communal violence..."

• (C) Non-violence as a principle had failed to bind the people in troubled times. The text notes he was "disheartened that the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (active but non-violent resistance)... had failed to bind the people in troubled times."

• (D) Gandhiji only persuaded Hindus to lay down arms. This is incorrect. The passage states that he "went on to persuade the Hindus and Muslims to give up violence," not just Hindus.