Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- Born:
- October 2, 1869, Porbandar, Kathiawar Agency, British India
- Died:
- January 30, 1948, New Delhi, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Anti-colonial Nationalist, Political Ethicist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Gujarati Hindu Modh Bania family.
- Received primary education in Porbandar and Rajkot.
- Studied law at University College London, Inner Temple.
- Admitted to the English Bar in 1891.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law in Bombay (Mumbai) and Rajkot with limited success.
- Moved to South Africa in 1893 to work for an Indian firm.
- Developed and implemented Satyagraha, a philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
- Led Indian community's struggle for civil rights in South Africa.
- Returned to India in 1915 and became a leader in the Indian National Congress.
- Spearheaded non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and Quit India movements against British rule.
- Played a key role in India's independence in 1947.
Notable Works
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography)
- Writings and speeches on nonviolence, social justice, and self-rule.
- Editor of the newspapers Indian Opinion, Young India, and Harijan.
Legacy and Impact
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, often referred to as Mahatma Gandhi, is revered as the father of the Indian nation and a global icon of peace and nonviolent resistance. His philosophy of Satyagraha has inspired civil rights and freedom movements across the world. The principles outlined in Hind Swaraj continue to be debated and analyzed for their impact on social and political thought. While examining various historical accounts, one might also consider a work such as the 'brod bagert biography of mahatma' to understand additional perspectives on Gandhi's life and work. He left behind a legacy of social justice, religious harmony, and self-reliance that continues to inspire generations.
Awards and Recognition
Year | Award/Recognition |
---|---|
1915 | Kaiser-i-Hind Medal (returned in 1920 in protest against British policies) |
Posthumously | Numerous statues, memorials, and institutions named in his honor worldwide. |