Jai Hind!
-- Radio Announcer (chapter 4)

Importance: This phrase is repeated many times throughout the novel by many characters, and represents the themes of Ahimsa and Symbolic Change versus Real Change. Jai Hind is a political slogan, and is the call for freedom for Indian independence from the British. This quote represents courage, defiance, and strength as the characters strive towards freedom from oppression through defying the British with Ahimsa, as well as empowering the Dalits through social justice work.

These clothes were made with cotton from India, but the British took the raw cotton, spun it in England, and sold it back to us at very high rates . . . The first step to a free India is to only buy homespun clothes and be self-sufficient. So we must get rid of these garments that enslave us.
-- Ma (chapter 6)

Importance: This quote from Ma represents the beginning of the family’s commitment to the freedom movement. It also represents...