Who delivered the Quit India speech in 1942, advocating non-violence and Hindu-Muslim unity?

• A. Mahatma Gandhi
• B. Jawaharlal Nehru
• C. Subhas Chandra Bose
• D. Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Answer: (A)

Gandhi delivered the Quit India speech in 1942, calling for a mass, non-violent movement to drive out British rule and stressing Hindu-Muslim unity as essential for a united effort. He spoke in a moment of urgent action, famously urging Indians to “do or die” but to pursue independence through peaceful means, which shaped the Quit India Movement and its emphasis on unity across religious lines. Other leaders of the era played different roles or advocated different methods—Nehru contributed to post-war vision and constitutional goals, Bose pushed for armed resistance, and Jinnah pursued a separate Muslim state—yet none delivered this specific call for immediate, non-violent nationwide action.