Mahatma Gandhi’s also known as Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on 2 October, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat, India.
As a student, he was not quite brilliant. But, under the influence of his mother, he had a highly religious, upright mind. It is well known to all that he refused to copy a word probably “kettle” even when he was asked by his class teacher to do so. It was clear that he was a child of truth, character, honesty and integrity and no temptation could bow him down. He was a spiritual anarchist. He reversed the dictum ‘God is truth’ with ‘truth is God’. He was a peace lover.
He was married when he was only 13 years old. He went to England for higher studies when he was 19 years old. He took some vows before his mother before leaving for England. These included not taking wine or meat and not casting a lustful eye on any woman.
He became a Barrister and returned to India in 1891 and started practice at Rajkot and Mumbai (Bombay at that time). He could not succeed as a lawyer.
He went to Africa in 1893. He fought for justice for Indians there during his twelve years stay there. After his return to India In 1914, he chose Gopal Krishna Gokhale to be his mentor.
He toured the countryside and acquainted himself with the views and aspirations of the Indian people. At first he started the Non-Cooperation Movement. He wanted to attain Swaraj by peaceful means. After the Chauri-Chaura incident, he took back the movement.
Then he started the Civil Disobedience Movement on 6th April, 1930 which led to the famous Dandi March. There was picketing of foreign good during this movement.
He started the Quit Indian Movement on August 8, 1942. Now, there was mass movement against the British Rule. During this period most of the Indian leaders were put behind the bars.
India attained Independence on August 15, 1947, but the great Mahatma was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse on 30 January, 1948.
He is well known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India, and will always be remembered as an apostle of peace, love, truth and non-violence, and one of the greatest Indians and world leaders.
