Who Was Mahatma Gandhi

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

Advertisement

Mahatma Gandhi stands as one of history’s most influential figures. Many recognize him through iconic images of Gandhi dressed simply in a shawl and sandals, leading masses in peaceful protest. His teachings inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and earned admiration from figures such as Albert Einstein. But what was it that made Gandhi known as the “Father of the Nation”?

Early Life and Religious Roots

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. His upbringing was shaped by his mother’s deep devotion to Vaishnavism, the worship of the Hindu god Vishnu. She instilled values of self-discipline and nonviolence in young Gandhi, shaping the path he would later take. At just 13 years old, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makanji. Although they struggled to get along at first, the couple grew close and went on to have four children.

Advertisement

Gandhi’s Legal Education

At 19, Gandhi left India for London to study law at the Inner Temple. Despite being an average student with poor handwriting, he completed his education. Upon returning to India, Gandhi tried to establish a law practice in Bombay, but it didn’t succeed. This setback led him to take a job with an Indian law firm, which sent him to Durban, South Africa—a move that would change his life forever.

Advertisement

Facing Discrimination in South Africa

Gandhi encountered discrimination from the moment he arrived in South Africa. On his first day in court, a European magistrate asked him to remove his turban. Gandhi refused and left the courtroom. Another pivotal moment came when he was forcibly removed from a train after a white passenger objected to him sitting in first class, despite having a ticket. These experiences ignited Gandhi’s determination to fight racial discrimination.

Advertisement

The Birth of Passive Resistance

That train incident marked a turning point for Gandhi. He resolved to challenge the “deep disease of color prejudice.” He developed and taught Satyagraha, which means truth and firmness. This method advocated nonviolent resistance against unjust laws. Gandhi first put it into action in 1894 when Indians faced disenfranchisement in South Africa. Though the campaign didn’t stop the law, it brought international attention to the discrimination faced by Indian immigrants.

Advertisement

Long Years of Civil Disobedience

In 1906, new oppressive laws required all Indians to register with the government. Gandhi responded with a campaign of civil disobedience that lasted over eight years. Many Indians, including Gandhi himself, were imprisoned. Eventually, due to mounting pressure from foreign governments, a compromise was reached, and some rights were restored, including recognizing Gandhi’s marriage to Kasturba.

Advertisement

Returning to India

In 1914, Gandhi returned to India, which was under British rule. Although he supported British governance initially, he opposed any laws that took away civil rights. By 1919, the British had passed legislation allowing them to imprison anyone suspected of sedition. Gandhi launched a Satyagraha campaign with strikes and peaceful protests. However, British troops responded with violence, resulting in the massacre of 400 unarmed protesters in Amritsar on April 13, a tragedy that cemented Gandhi’s resolve for Indian independence.

Advertisement

Leading the Movement

Following the Amritsar massacre, Gandhi intensified his push for independence. He promoted economic self-sufficiency by urging Indians to boycott British goods and encouraging government employees to leave their positions. His dedication to spiritual practices like meditation and fasting became integral to his leadership. Admirers began calling him “Mahatma,” meaning “the great-souled one.”

Advertisement

The Salt March

In the 1920s, Gandhi was jailed for sedition and stepped back from politics for a time. But in 1930, when the British imposed the Salt Act forbidding Indians from collecting or selling salt, Gandhi acted. On March 12, he set off on a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to break the law and collect salt. Wearing his simple white shawl and sandals, he led 30 followers. By the time they reached the sea 24 days later, tens of thousands had gathered. Gandhi’s act of defiance was met with mass arrests, including his own.

Advertisement

Recognition and Aftermath

Despite being imprisoned, Gandhi’s movement gained momentum. Time magazine named him “Man of the Year” in 1930, making him the first Indian to receive this recognition. After his release, Gandhi successfully negotiated the freedom of political prisoners, and Indians were once again allowed to gather salt.

Advertisement

Indian Independence and Gandhi’s Final Days

Gandhi played a crucial role in India gaining independence from British rule in 1945. He hoped for a united nation, but religious tensions led to the creation of Muslim-majority Pakistan and Hindu-majority India. On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist on his way to evening prayers. His funeral procession in Delhi was attended by two million people, mourning the loss of the “Father of the Nation.”

Advertisement

You May Also Like