Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. He was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, his full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. People lovingly called him “Bapu.”
Gandhi grew up in a large family with loving parents. His father was a high official in Porbandar, and his mother was deeply religious. As a young boy, Gandhi was shy and not very good at school. However, he was honest and always tried to do what was right.
When he was 19, Gandhi went to England to study law. He became a lawyer and later moved to South Africa to practice. In South Africa Gandhi experienced racial discrimination and decided to fight against injustice.
In South Africa, Gandhi saw how people were treated unfairly because of their race and skin color. He started to speak out against these injustices. Gandhi developed a method of non-violent protest called “Satyagraha,” which means “truth force.” He believed that people should resist evil with peaceful actions, not violence.
Gandhi organized peaceful protests and inspired many people to join him. His efforts helped improve the lives of Indians in South Africa. He became well-known for his work and returned to India in 1915, ready to fight for his own country’s freedom.
Back in India, Gandhi became the leader of the Indian National Congress, a group working for India’s independence. He traveled all over the country, encouraging people to join the fight against British rule. Gandhi urged Indians to use non-violence and civil disobedience.
One of his famous protests was the Salt March in 1930. The British had a monopoly on salt production, and they taxed it heavily. Gandhi and thousands of followers walked 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt. This act of disobedience drew worldwide attention to India’s struggle for freedom.
Gandhi lived a very simple life. He wore plain clothes made from homespun cloth and believed in living modestly. He was a vegetarian and often fasted to purify his body and soul. Gandhi’s teachings were influenced by Hinduism, Christianity and other religions, but he believed in the unity of all faiths.
India finally gained independence on August 15, 1947. However, the country was divided into two nations, India and Pakistan, leading to widespread violence. Gandhi was deeply saddened by the partition and worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity.
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a man who disagreed with his views on unity and non-violence. The whole world mourned his death, but his ideas lived on.
Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work have inspired millions of people around the world. He showed that it is possible to fight injustice without violence. His teachings of truth, non-violence, and love continue to guide people in their struggles for justice and freedom. Gandhi will always be remembered as the father of the Indian nation and a symbol of peace.
