HISTORY
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, writer and leader of Indian nationalism who led the Indian Independence Movement against British rule and social reforms, including Hindu-Muslim unity and Dalit rights.
His movements, like the Salt March (1930), reshaped Indian politics. He Known as the “Father of the Nation,” he promoted nonviolent resistance (satyagraha) for political and social progress. Revered as “Mahatma” (Great Soul), he was assassinated in 1948, his influence spread worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire movements for peace and justice globally.
EARLY LIFE
Gandhi’s father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the dewan of Porbandar and later Rajkot. His mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman who influenced his values. Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India.
As a child, he was shy but deeply influenced by Hindu epics like Shravana and Harishchandra. He studied in Rajkot and later attended Alfred High School. At 13, he married Kasturba Gandhi in an arranged marriage. They had five children, with their firstborn passing away shortly after birth.
In 1888, Gandhi enrolled at Samaldas College but left to study law in England. His early exposure to Gujarati literature and reformist ideas shaped his views on truth, nonviolence, and justice.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Birth Anniversary: October 2 is observed as the International Day of Nonviolence.
- Family: Youngest child with 2 brothers and 1 sister.
- Father’s Background: Hindu (Modh Baniya caste).
- Personal Secretary: Mahadev Desai.
- Assassination: Killed at Birla House garden in 1948.
- Correspondence: Exchanged letters with Leo Tolstoy.
- Tolstoy Farm: Set up in South Africa for Satyagraha followers.
- Major Movements: Dandi Salt March (1930), Quit India Movement (1942).
- Social Reforms: Fought for Dalit rights, called them Harijans (“Children of God”).
- Film: Gandhi (1982) won Best Motion Picture (Oscar).
- Time Magazine: Man of the Year (1930).
- Nobel Prize Nominations: 5 times (1937, 1938, 1939, 1947, 1948).
- British Stamp: Issued 21 years after his death.
- Title “Mahatma”: Given by Rabindranath Tagore.
- Independence Day (1947): Not present during Nehru’s speech.
- Funeral Procession: 8 km long.
- Currency: RBI issued “Gandhi series” banknotes from 1996.
- Gandhi Memorial Museum (1959): Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, showcasing his blood-stained garment.
- Marriage: Married Kasturba Gandhi at 19.
ACHIEVEMENTS
-
Led India’s Independence Movement – Played a key role in India’s freedom from British rule in 1947 through nonviolent resistance.
-
Champion of Nonviolence (Satyagraha) – Developed and popularized Satyagraha, a philosophy of peaceful protest, inspiring civil rights movements worldwide.
-
Dandi Salt March (1930) – Led the Salt March, a 240-mile protest against British salt taxation, marking a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.
-
Quit India Movement (1942) – Launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an immediate end to British rule, leading to mass protests and imprisonments.
-
Abolition of Untouchability – Worked tirelessly to uplift Dalits (Harijans), advocating for their rights and opposing caste-based discrimination.
-
Established Tolstoy Farm (1910) – Set up a self-sufficient community in South Africa for Indian laborers, promoting self-reliance and social equality.
-
Promoted Hindu-Muslim Unity – Worked to bridge religious divides and opposed the partition of India, striving for communal harmony.
-
Women’s Empowerment – Encouraged women’s participation in politics and social movements, promoting gender equality in Indian society.
-
Rural Development & Khadi Movement – Promoted self-reliance through spinning khadi (handwoven cloth), reducing dependence on British goods.
-
Inspired Global Leaders & Movements – His principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience influenced global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama.