Lalaji thus brought about a revolution
in the attitudes of the people of England and America towards India. He
returned in February 1920. Lokamanya Tilak, Jinnah and Shrimati Annie Besant
accorded a heroic welcome to him. Welcome Addresses were presented to him
in Bombay, Delhi and Lahore. He was elected as the president of the special
session of the Congress held in September 1920.
Next year Mahatma Gandhi started the
Non-cooperation Movement. The movement gained momentum in the country.
Lalaji jumped into the agitation with his bosom friend, the revolutionary
Ajit Singh. In response to Lalaji's stirring call, the whole of Punjab
Province joined the movement. The agitation shook the firm foundations
of the government. Government schools and colleges were boycotted. Work
in courts and offices came to a halt. The people were firmly united
against imperialism. Lalaji himself started a national school in Lahore.
Tilak opened a political science institution. Thus enthusiastic youths
found guidance. Lalaji undertook a whirlwind tour of Punjab for ten days
for that purpose and collected nine lakh rupees. Full of reverence for
him, people contributed money enthusiastically.