Biography of Mahatma Gandhi

Biography of Mahatma Gandhi 

 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian nationalist leader who played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence against the British colonial rule. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, Gandhi was a lawyer, a politician, a writer, and a philosopher. He led India's independence movement through his philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience, which inspired several other movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. His contribution to the Indian independence struggle is unparalleled, and his life story has inspired millions of people globally.

Early Life and Education

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in the western state of Gujarat, India. He was the youngest of four children born to his father, Karamchand Gandhi, who was the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, and his fourth wife, Putlibai.

Gandhi's upbringing was heavily influenced by the Hindu religion and culture, and he was deeply attached to his mother, who taught him the virtues of truth, nonviolence, and self-discipline. He was also influenced by the Jain philosophy of nonviolence and vegetarianism, which his family followed.

Gandhi received his early education at a local school in Porbandar, where he was an average student. He was later sent to Rajkot, where his father had taken up a new position as diwan, and he continued his education there. However, Gandhi was an indifferent student and was more interested in exploring the countryside and learning about nature.

In 1883, at the age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makhanji, who was also 13 at the time. The marriage was arranged by their families, which was a common practice in India at the time. Gandhi and Kasturba went on to have four sons, but their marriage was not a happy one, and they had several disagreements over the years.

After completing his schooling in Rajkot, Gandhi was sent to England to study law at University College London in 1888. Initially, he was uncomfortable in London and found it difficult to adjust to the British way of life. However, he soon adapted to the new environment and started exploring the city and its culture.

Gandhi was an average student at law school and spent most of his time reading books on religion, philosophy, and politics. He was particularly influenced by the works of Henry David Thoreau and Leo Tolstoy, who wrote about the virtues of simplicity, nonviolence, and self-reliance. Gandhi also became interested in theosophy, a spiritual movement that emphasized the unity of all religions.

After completing his studies, Gandhi returned to India in 1891 and started practicing law in Bombay. However, he found it difficult to establish himself as a lawyer and was not very successful in his profession. He then received an offer to work for an Indian firm in South Africa, which marked a turning point in his life.

Life in South Africa

After completing his studies, Gandhi returned to India and started his law practice in Bombay. However, he was soon offered a job in South Africa, where he had to represent an Indian firm in a lawsuit. In 1893, Gandhi arrived in Durban, South Africa, which marked a turning point in his life.

Gandhi was appalled by the racism and discrimination that Indians faced in South Africa, where they were treated as second-class citizens. He himself experienced racism when he was thrown out of a train compartment reserved for white people despite holding a first-class ticket. This incident became a catalyst for Gandhi's activism, and he started organizing campaigns and protests against the discriminatory laws.

Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, which aimed to protect the rights of Indian immigrants in South Africa. He led several protests, marches, and boycotts, which earned him the nickname of "Mahatma" or "Great Soul" from his followers. He also developed his philosophy of Satyagraha, which means "truth force" or "soul force." Satyagraha emphasized the use of nonviolence and civil disobedience as a means of resisting injustice.

Return to India and the Indian Independence Movement

After spending over 20 years in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and became involved in the Indian independence movement. He was immediately recognized as a leader and was appointed as the president of the Indian National Congress, which was the main political party in India at the time.

Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience became the cornerstone of the Indian independence movement. He led several mass protests and movements against British rule, including the Salt March in 1930, where he and his followers walked 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to protest the British monopoly on salt production. Gandhi's actions and speeches inspired millions of Indians to join the struggle for independence.

Gandhi's approach to the independence movement was unique in that he emphasized the need for self-reliance and self-sufficiency. He urged Indians to boycott British goods and institutions and instead promote Indian-made products and industries. He also encouraged Indians to engage in acts of civil disobedience, such as refusing to pay taxes, boycotting schools and colleges, and organizing strikes and protests.

Gandhi's