Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most renowned and influential figures in history. Born in 1869 in India, Gandhi was a key leader of the Indian independence movement and is celebrated for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. After years of peaceful protests and civil disobedience, Gandhi helped lead India to independence from British rule in 1947. He is also celebrated for his work to promote social justice and equality, both in India and around the world. This biography knowledge glow will explore Gandhi’s life, work, and legacy.
Early life and education
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India. His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the dewan (chief minister) of Porbandar; his mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman who fasted regularly. As a child, Gandhi was shy, soft-spoken, and only average in his studies. He excelled in his ethics and morality classes, however. In May 1883, at the age of 13, he married 14-year-old Kasturba Makhanji in an arranged marriage. The couple had four children: Harilal (born 1888), Manilal (born 1892), Ramdas (born 1897), and Devadas (born 1900).
In September 1888, at the age of 18, Gandhi left India for England to study law at University College London. While there, he experimented with meat eating and smoking but abandoned both habits before long. He also joined the Vegetarian Society. In June 1891 he passed the barrister’s examination and was called to the bar.
The making of a Mahatma
How did Mohandas Gandhi become the Mahatma? In his autobiography, Gandhi discusses how his transformation came about.
First, he became interested in religion and began reading religious texts from different traditions. He eventually settled on Hinduism, but also drew inspiration from Christianity and Islam. He also read works of philosophy and political theory, including those of Henry David Thoreau and John Ruskin.
Second, he underwent a period of personal introspection and experimentation. He tried out various ascetic practices, such as fasting and celibacy, and also experimented with different forms of political action.
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Finally, he found his footing as a leader during the Indian independence movement. Through his tireless work and dedication to non-violent resistance, he helped lead India to freedom from British rule.
The Mahatma was not born overnight; rather, he was the product of years of thought, reflection, and action. His journey is an inspiring one, and his legacy continues to motivate people around the world today.
The political career of Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most celebrated political figures in history. His advocacy for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience helped lead India to independence from British rule. After years of peaceful protests and civil disobedience, Gandhi was finally successful in gaining India’s independence in 1947. He is also celebrated for his work in promoting religious tolerance and social justice.
Salt March and Civil Disobedience
Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement began with the Salt March in 1930. This was a protest against the British government’s monopoly on salt production. The march lasted for 24 days and covered over 200 miles. Gandhi and his followers were arrested several times, but they continued to peacefully protest.
The Salt March was just one example of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance. He believed that people could resist unjust laws without resorting to violence. This philosophy inspired many other civil rights movements, both in India and around the world.
Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire people today who are fighting for social justice. His life is a reminder that change is possible, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement was a political protest launched in 1942 by the Indian National Congress against the British Raj. The movement called for an end to British rule in India and was one of the largest and most influential protests in Indian history. The movement began on August 8, 1942, with a mass demonstration in Mumbai, and quickly spread across the country. On August 9, Gandhi delivered a speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai, calling for an end to British rule and urging Indians to take non-violent action against the government. The Quit India Movement was met with fierce resistance from the British authorities, who arrested and jailed thousands of protesters, including Gandhi himself. Despite the repression, the movement continued to grow, with support coming from all corners of Indian society. In the end, the Quit India Movement failed to achieve its immediate goal of forcing the British to leave India. However, it did succeed in uniting Indians against colonial rule and paving the way for independence.
Assassination of Gandhi
On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist. Godse was angry with Gandhi for favoring the partition of India and creating a Muslim homeland (Pakistan). He felt that Gandhi was betraying the Hindu people.
Godse shot Gandhi in the chest three times at close range. Gandhi died instantly.
Godse was tried and convicted of murder. He was executed on November 15, 1949.
Gandhi’s assassination shocked the world. He was revered as a champion of non-violence and peace. His death showed that even someone like Gandhi could be a victim of violence.
Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes on freedom
- “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
- “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising Him.”
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- “Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth.”
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi was an extraordinary man who changed the course of history. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance inspired people all over the world to fight for social justice. He is remembered as one of the most influential leaders of our time. His philosophy of nonviolence continues to influence activists today. Gandhi’s life and work are a reminder that every person can make a difference in the world.
