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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869–1948), known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a key figure in the Indian independence movement against British rule and is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in modern history. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
Early Life
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in the Indian state of Gujarat, to a Hindu family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the chief minister of Porbandar, and his mother, Putlibai, was deeply religious. Gandhi was heavily influenced by his mother’s devout nature and adherence to fasting and spirituality.
In 1888, Gandhi traveled to London to study law at University College London. He was admitted to the Inner Temple and became a lawyer. After returning to India briefly, he moved to South Africa in 1893, where he spent over 20 years working on behalf of Indian immigrants who were suffering under discriminatory laws.
Fight for Indian Rights in South Africa During his time in South Africa, Gandhi faced racial discrimination firsthand. One well-known incident occurred when he was thrown off a train for sitting in a "whites-only" compartment. These experiences motivated him to organize the Indian community in South Africa and lead campaigns against unjust laws.
It was in South Africa that Gandhi developed his philosophy of Satyagraha—a form of nonviolent resistance. He led several successful campaigns, including protests against discriminatory tax laws and pass laws targeting Indian immigrants.
Leadership in the Indian Independence Movement
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and quickly rose to prominence within the Indian National Congress. He began organizing peasant and worker protests and later expanded his activities to call for Swaraj, or self-rule, for India. Gandhi advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to resist British authority. This approach was central to the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), the Salt March (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942).
The Salt March (1930): One of Gandhi’s most famous acts of civil disobedience was his 240-mile march to the sea to produce salt in defiance of the British salt monopoly. This act inspired mass participation and became a symbol of the Indian struggle for independence. The Quit India Movement (1942): During World War II, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an end to British rule in India. He was arrested, along with many other leaders, but the movement helped intensify India's push for independence.
Philosophy and Principles
Gandhi’s core philosophy revolved around ahimsa (nonviolence) and Satyagraha. He believed that real change could be achieved through nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and ethical living. His principles were deeply rooted in spirituality, influenced by Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity.
Ahimsa (Nonviolence): Gandhi believed in not harming any living being, which extended beyond just physical violence to encompass hatred and injustice. Truth and Simplicity: Gandhi advocated for living simply, practicing celibacy, and engaging in self-sufficiency, including spinning one’s own cloth. He wore a simple loincloth (dhoti) to symbolize unity with India’s poor.
Assassination and Legacy
India gained independence in 1947, but Gandhi’s dream of a unified, peaceful India was marred by the partition of India and Pakistan. The ensuing violence between Hindus and Muslims deeply affected him, and he spent his last days fasting in an effort to promote peace.
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s efforts toward Hindu-Muslim unity.
Legacy
Gandhi's methods and philosophy influenced leaders and movements around the world, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. He remains a symbol of peace, justice, and nonviolent resistance.
Gandhi's life and teachings continue to inspire global movements for civil rights and freedom, and he is revered as the "Father of the Nation" in India. His birthday, October 2, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and as the International Day of Non-Violence globally.
