Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), widely known as the “Father of the Nation” in India, was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule. He is celebrated globally for his philosophy of nonviolence (ahimsa) and truth (satya), which inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Early Life and Education

Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Born: October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India.

Family: Son of Karamchand Gandhi, a chief minister, and Putlibai Gandhi. He was raised in a deeply religious environment.

Marriage: Married Kasturba Gandhi in 1883 at the age of 13. They had four sons.

Education: Studied law at University College London (1888–1891). He was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London.

Time in South Africa (1893–1915)

Gandhi moved to South Africa in 1893 to work as a lawyer. His experiences with racial discrimination profoundly influenced him and led to his development of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance).

Key events in South Africa:

Organized campaigns against discriminatory laws, including the “Black Act.”

Formed the Natal Indian Congress to fight for Indian rights.

Experimented with communal living and simplicity at Tolstoy Farm.

Return to India and Role in Freedom Struggle

Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and became a central figure in the Indian National Movement.

Key Movements and Campaigns

1. Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas (1917–1918):

Led protests against oppressive indigo plantation policies in Champaran (Bihar).

Supported farmers in Kheda (Gujarat) during a famine, advocating for tax relief.

2. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922):

Called for boycotts of British goods, institutions, and honors.

Advocated for self-reliance (Swadeshi), including the promotion of khadi (hand-spun cloth).

3. Salt March (1930):

Led the Dandi March, a 240-mile journey to protest the British monopoly on salt.

Sparked the Civil Disobedience Movement, emphasizing nonviolent resistance.

4. Quit India Movement (1942):

Demanded an immediate end to British rule.

The movement was met with severe repression, and Gandhi was imprisoned.

Philosophy and Practices

Nonviolence (Ahimsa): Central to his ideology, Gandhi believed in achieving justice through peaceful means.

Truth (Satya): He emphasized living a truthful life and adhering to moral principles.

Simple Living: Advocated for a simple lifestyle, self-reliance, and rural development.

Communal Harmony: Worked to bridge divides between Hindus and Muslims.

Personal Life and Writings

Gandhi wrote extensively, including his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

Practiced celibacy and self-discipline as part of his spiritual journey.

Challenges and Criticism

Faced criticism for his pacifist stance during violent uprisings.

His strategies, while admired, were sometimes questioned for their practicality in certain situations.

Partition and Assassination

Gandhi opposed the partition of India and Pakistan but reluctantly agreed to it to prevent greater violence.

Worked tirelessly to promote communal harmony during the riots of 1947.

Assassinated: On January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s views on communal unity.

Legacy

Gandhi’s philosophy influenced global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and others in their struggles for justice.

His birthday, October 2, is observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India and as the International Day of Nonviolence globally.

Mahatma Gandhi remains a symbol of peace, resilience, and moral courage, inspiring generations worldwide.