“Gandhi” is a name that still sparkles in the books of History. Gandhi Ji, the father of the Indian Nation, was praised for his simplicity and dedication to truth. Let’s go through Mahatma Gandhi’s Biography, his early inceptions, his major contributions and the lasting impact he had on the world.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
M.K Gandhi was born on October 2nd, 1869. His birth took place in a small town of Gujrat named Porbandar. He was later known as Mahatma Gandhi. His father was the Diwan of Porbandar, and his mother was a very religious woman. From childhood, Gandhi was deeply influenced by his mother’s devotion and belief in non-violence and truth.
Gandhi began his schooling at a small school in Rajkot. He was an average student. He had a keen interest in law. Therefore, after completing his academics, he went to London to study law. During his tenure in London, he faced a lot of challenges. Though, he still managed to complete his education there and became a barrister.
Gandhi in South Africa
After returning from London, Gandhi struggled to build a legal career in India. Due to this, he went to South Africa to work on a legal case for an Indian who was Abdullah’s cousin. It was South Africa where Gandhi first faced Racial discrimination. While he was travelling on a train with a valid first-class ticket, he was asked to leave. When refused, he was thrown out.
This incident was a significant part of his life and a turning point for him. He decided to put his foot down against this injustice that happened to every other Indian in South Africa. The series of peaceful protests and many other movements began in South Africa, where Gandhi lived for 21 years. This is when he brought up the philosophy of Satyagraha, also known as the non-violence resistance.
Back to India and the Freedom Struggle
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915. Due to the work he had done in South Africa, everyone in India already knew who he was. After he returned, he went on an all India tour to know the plight of commoners. Very soon, he became a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress Party-India’s first nationalist organization with the objective of obtaining national sovereignty from British colonial oppression.
The Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 was the first major campaign for Gandhi after his arrival in India. Farmers in Champaran had to grow indigo and the British landlords there compelled them to do so through their might. Therefore, Gandhi led quite a few protests. He was finally met with success in the form of the betterment of farmer’s conditions.
In the year 1919, The British Govt. started putting Indians in jail without any trials. No one could oppose them or stop them. They had passed the Rowlatt Act, which enabled them to jail people indefinitely. This forced Gandhi to launch a nationwide protest against British rule. This protest led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre when British troops indiscriminately killed hundreds of unarmed protesters. This act, of course, shocked the nation and increased the perseverance to independence.
Movements of Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience
A non-cooperation movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1920. He encouraged Indians to boycott British goods, schools and institutions. The movement, which was considered a partial success by many historians of the Indian freedom struggle, caused nationwide turmoil and changed popular attitudes to support expanded disobedience.
Gandhi called off the agitation in 1922 after violence marred an otherwise peaceful non-cooperation campaign: angry protesters killed policemen at Chauri_Chaura ashram though they were on their side but had lost control of large crowds arguing that they could be kept under check only “by him sitting down again”. Gandhi advocated non-violence and did not want the movement to turn into a violent outrage.
The Quit India Movement
Amidst the Second World War, the British asked India to offer help for their warfare. This has given an opportunity to Gandhiji that he demanded for Independence. He started the Quit India Movement in 1942 which was a call to Britishers go back home. Gandhi and other leaders were taken into custody by the British, but India’s independence was a foregone conclusion.
Independence Movement, Partition of India
On 15 August 1947 India at last achieved independence. But the elation of freedom was gradually offset by news that India had been partitioned to form two countries – India and Pakistan. The division also generated much violence and led to mass migration. This appalled Gandhi, who set out to do everything he could in his power to maintain the peace between Hindus and Muslims.
Gandhi’s Assassination
Over the next two decades, Gandhi helped lead India to independence from Great Britain on August 15, 1947, and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. On January 30th,1948, he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist. He felt that Gandhi had been too accommodating towards the Muslims.
The loss of Gandhi was a huge setback for the Nation. His assassination highlighted the communal tensions in post-independence India. This turned a lot of heads towards the non-violence principles, which had a significant impact globally.
Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi left behind an unparalleled legacy. He inspired many leaders across the planet, including prominent names such as Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. Gandhi demonstrated that it is possible to stand up against injustice without being violent in return. His life is an example of the power of truth and love.
Autobiography: “The Story of My Experiments with Truth”
The autobiography by Mahatma Gandhi, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” is a detailed account of his life and philosophy. In this book, he shares his personal experiences and the development of his ideas. The book is an honest and humble account of Gandhi’s journey. It shows his constant efforts to live by his principles of truth and non-violence.
The book begins by following Gandhi from his early life through his London school days and South African experiences. Then, it traces his trek back to India and entry into the Indian Freedom struggle. Gandhi is candid about his shortcomings throughout the book as he waxes philosophical. In this synopsis of the “story of my experiments with truth”, he discusses self-discipline, simplicity and helping others. The book is not simply a profiling study but it’s like your guidebook in living an honest and nonviolent life.
Final Thoughts
Billions of people considered him an idol. His dedication to truth and nonviolence has transformed the world. His words continue to resonate – his reminders of the strength in nonviolent protest and speaking up for what is just. On this occasion, we remember Gandhi and understand that one person’s commitment can change the world. His lasting influence is felt every day and lived out in all those who are called by his name.
This was all about the Father of India, Mahatma Gandhi. Want to know more about famous Indian personalities? How about reading the biography of Rabindranath Tagore, the Kabiguru?
Mahatma Gandhi’s full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was named by his father, Karamchand Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi died on 30th January 1948.
The name of his autobiography is ‘The Story of My Experiments with Truth’. It is a detailed description covering his life from early childhood up till 1921.
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