Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi Born: October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India Died: January 30, 1948, in New Delhi, India known as: “Mahatma” (meaning “Great Soul”), “Father of the Nation” (India)
Early Life and Educational
Gandhi was born into a Hindu family in the princely state of Porbandar.He studied law in London (1888–1891) and became a barrister.In 1893, he went to South Africa to work for a Muslim Indian firm, where he experienced racism and injustice.
Civil Rights Movement in South Africa (1893–1914)
Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa fighting for the civil rights of Indians living there.
He developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance).
He led campaigns against discriminatory laws, such as the pass system and registration certificates for Indians.
- Return to India and Role in Independence Movement (1915–1947)
Returned to India in 1915 and joined the Indian National Congress and became a leader of the independence movement against British colonial rule.
Advocated for:
Nonviolence (Ahimsa), Swaraj (self rule), Civil disobedience, Boycott of British good and Institution
Major Campaigns:
Champaran Satyagraha(1917)
Non-cooperation Movement (1920-22)
Salt March /Dndi March (1930)- a 240- mile March to produce salt from the sea in defiance of British laws
Quit India movement (1942)- called for immediate British withdrawal
Philosophy and Beliefs:
Believed in simple living, wearing khadi (homespun cloth), and rural self-reliance.
Promoted Hindu-Muslim unity and fought against untouchability.
Inspired global figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and others.
Assassination and Legacy:
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s inclusive views.
Gandhi’s legacy remains immense:Regarded as the Father of the Indian Nation.International symbol of peace, justice, and nonviolent resistance.
Famous Quotes:
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”