Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India on October 2, 1869. He spent much of his childhood in Rajkot and then went to study in London, graduating with a degree in law in 1891. After his initial training as a barrister, he moved to South Africa to practice law, where he would spend close to 20 years. It was in South Africa that he discovered Satyagraha and began laying the groundwork for the strategy of civil-disobedience that would later become his trademark.
The first major application of Satyagraha occurred during Gandhi’s return to India in 1915. He joined the Indian National Congress and quickly rose through the ranks to become its President in 1921. In the ensuing years, he led mass protests and campaigns for Indian Home Rule and against British policies such as the Salt Tax. During this period, he also developed his philosophy of ‘Ahimsa’ or non-violence and championed the cause of Dalits (the untouchables) in India.
In 1930, Gandhi led the now famous Salt March from Ahmedabad to Dandi, to protest against the British monopoly on salt production in India. This march was followed by other campaigns such as the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Quit India Movement, and the No-Tax campaigns. The 1940s saw Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in India’s freedom struggle with large numbers of people, including students, joining him in demonstrations and marches.
Gandhi always believed in unity amongst the Indian people and opposed divisions based on religion, caste, and creed. He championed the cause of equality and justice, and was unafraid to take on social evils such as untouchability and sexism. His protégés and political associates included Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
Gandhi’s legacy continues to this day. He is remembered fondly in India and across the world for his vision of a non-violent society based on the principles of truth and justice. He inspired freedom fighters in other countries, among them Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. His example of selfless service has been an inspiration to generations of people around the world.
At the same time, Gandhi has been subject to much criticism over the years, particularly for his views on caste and non-violence. His detractors have argued that his ideals were impractical and outdated, and that his views on caste and untouchability were regressive. However, despite these criticisms, it cannot be denied that Gandhi was an inspirational leader and an important part of India’s struggle for freedom.
Gandhi’s legacy will continue to live on in the minds of future generations. From the Mahatma himself, we can learn that truth, justice, and non-violence are the cornerstones of a just society. We can also learn that no matter the obstacles and opposition, one should never give up on the pursuit of truth and justice. As Gandhi himself said: “Truth is God and God is truth”.
