| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi |
| Birth | October 2, 1869, Porbandar, Gujarat, India |
| Death | January 30, 1948, New Delhi, India (Assassinated by Nathuram Godse) |
| Education | Studied law at University College London, called to the bar in 1891 |
| Nickname | Mahatma (Great Soul), Bapu (Father) |
| Spouse | Kasturba Gandhi (married in 1883) |
| Children | Four sons: Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, Devdas |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Political Leader, Social Reformer |
| Philosophy | Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satyagraha (Truth and Resistance) |
| Major Movements | Dandi Salt March (1930), Quit India Movement (1942), Non-Cooperation (1920) |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Leader in Indian National Congress, Advocate for Swaraj (Self-Rule) |
| Notable Works | “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” (autobiography) |
| Awards/Honors | Posthumously honored as Father of the Nation, Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) |
| Global Impact | Inspired civil rights movements (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela) |
| Key Association | Close mentor to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister |
Early Life and Awakening
Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, emerged as a global symbol of peace and non-violence. Raised in a devout Hindu family, Gandhi was influenced by the principles of truth and compassion from a young age. His early life took a transformative turn during his time in South Africa, where he faced racial discrimination firsthand. This experience ignited his lifelong commitment to justice, leading him to develop the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth and resistance). These principles became the cornerstone of his fight against oppression, both in South Africa and later in India.
Leadership in India’s Freedom Struggle
Upon returning to India in 1915, Gandhi quickly became a central figure in the Indian National Congress and the broader independence movement. He led several iconic campaigns, including the Dandi Salt March of 1930, which protested British salt taxes and galvanized millions to join the struggle for freedom. Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance, through initiatives like the Swadeshi movement encouraging the use of Indian-made goods, empowered the masses. His simple lifestyle—wearing a dhoti and shawl, spinning his own cloth on a charkha—made him a relatable leader, earning him the title Bapu (father) among Indians. Gandhi’s non-violent approach inspired global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, cementing his legacy as a universal advocate for peace.
Philosophy of Non-Violence and Global Impact
Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was not just a strategy for political change but a way of life. He believed that true power lies in love, truth, and moral courage, not in physical force. His teachings extended beyond politics, addressing social issues like untouchability, poverty, and communal harmony. Gandhi’s influence reached far beyond India, inspiring civil rights movements worldwide. His assassination on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, shocked the world, but his ideals continue to resonate. Today, Gandhi’s birthday, October 2, is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence, a testament to his enduring global impact.
Relationship with Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru shared a deep, yet complex relationship, bound by their mutual commitment to India’s freedom. Gandhi, the spiritual mentor, saw Nehru as his political heir, despite their ideological differences—Gandhi favored a decentralized, village-centric economy, while Nehru envisioned a modern, industrialized India. Their bond was marked by mutual respect; Gandhi often called Nehru his “jewel,” and Nehru, in turn, admired Gandhi’s ability to unite the masses. Together, they shaped the Indian National Congress, with Gandhi guiding the moral compass and Nehru steering the nation toward independence and modernity as India’s first Prime Minister.
Gandhi’s Legacy Today
Gandhi’s legacy remains a guiding light in a world often marred by conflict. His principles of non-violence and truth are invoked in movements for social justice, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding. From the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa to the civil rights movement in the United States, Gandhi’s ideas continue to inspire change. In India, his vision of unity in diversity and equality for all remains a cornerstone of the nation’s ethos. Mahatma Gandhi, the beacon of peace, reminds us that even in the face of adversity, humanity’s greatest strength lies in compassion and unwavering commitment to justice.