Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known worldwide as Mahatma Gandhi, was the primary leader of India’s independence movement against British rule. By employing the pioneer philosophy of Satyagraha (resistance to tyranny through mass non-violent civil disobedience), he not only led India to freedom but also inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the globe.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi was raised in a devout Hindu household. His father was a dewan (chief minister) of the city. Though he was a shy and mediocre student, he traveled to London in 1888 to study law at University College London and was called to the bar at Inner Temple.
In 1893, after failing to establish a successful law practice in India, he accepted a one-year contract to work for an Indian firm in South Africa.
The South Africa Years: The Birth of Satyagraha
South Africa was the turning point in Gandhi’s life. He faced blatant racial discrimination, famously being thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg for refusing to leave the first-class compartment.
Instead of returning home, he stayed for 21 years to fight for the rights of Indians in South Africa. It was here that he developed Satyagraha—a method of protest based on truth and non-violence. He transformed from a timid lawyer into a potent political activist.
Return to India and the Struggle for Independence
Gandhi returned to India in 1915 at the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale. He spent the first few years traveling the country to understand the plight of the common people.
1. Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha (1917-1918)
Gandhi’s first major victories came when he led peasants against oppressive British landlords in Bihar and Gujarat. These successful non-violent protests established him as a national hero.
2. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement. He urged Indians to boycott British goods, schools, and courts, and to use Khadi (hand-spun cloth) to achieve self-reliance.
3. The Salt March (1930)
In one of the most iconic acts of civil disobedience, Gandhi led a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to protest the British salt tax.
Thousands joined him as he reached Dandi and picked up a handful of salt, defying British law. This act ignited a nationwide movement that drew global attention to the Indian cause.
4. Quit India Movement (1942)
During World War II, Gandhi launched the “Quit India” movement, demanding an immediate British withdrawal. He gave the famous slogan “Do or Die” to the Indian people. Although he was imprisoned for two years, the movement made it clear that British rule was no longer sustainable.
Independence and Assassination
India finally gained independence on August 15, 1947. However, Gandhi was deeply saddened by the Partition of India into India and Pakistan, which led to horrific communal violence. He spent his final months fasting and visiting riot-torn areas to restore peace.
On January 30, 1948, while walking to a prayer meeting in New Delhi, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who disagreed with Gandhi’s inclusive approach toward Muslims.
Gandhi’s Core Principles
| Principle | Description |
| Ahimsa | Total non-violence in thought, word, and deed. |
| Satyagraha | “Truth Force”—holding onto the truth without using violence. |
| Brahmacharya | Self-discipline and spiritual purity. |
| Swadeshi | Use of local goods and self-sufficiency (symbolized by the spinning wheel). |
Mahatma Gandhi: Quick Facts
- Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- Titles: Mahatma (Great Soul), Bapu (Father), Father of the Nation.
- Famous Books: The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography), Hind Swaraj.
- Global Influence: Inspired Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Albert Einstein.
- International Day of Non-Violence: Observed annually on his birthday, October 2.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Borders
Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy is not confined to the borders of India. He proved that the most powerful empire in the world could be defeated by the “moral force” of an unarmed people. In a world often torn by conflict, his message—that “hate cannot be conquered by hate, but only by love”—remains more relevant than ever.