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Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule. He was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Gandhi advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to achieve political and social change. He led various campaigns and protests, including the Salt March, which played a significant role in India’s independence. Gandhi’s principles of truth, nonviolence, and self-sufficiency inspired movements and leaders worldwide. He was assassinated on January 30, 1948, but his legacy as a symbol of peace and freedom continues to influence people’s lives.
Have you ever had to abide by an unjust rule? How did you respond? Some individuals choose to defy unfair rules, while others comply to avoid causing trouble. When a rule is incredibly unjust, following it can feel morally wrong. In such situations, we can gain valuable insights from the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer and social activist, was born in India in 1869. Although his birth name was Mohandas, he is commonly referred to as “Mahatma” (which means “Great Soul”) today.
During his childhood, Gandhi attended school, much like you. However, his school lacked basic supplies such as pencils and paper. Instead, Gandhi learned to write by tracing letters in the dirt. Despite these challenges, he eventually pursued higher education and obtained a law degree.
After completing college, Gandhi relocated to South Africa. At that time, South Africa was under British rule, which subjected him to racial discrimination. He experienced unkind treatment from others, and the government had implemented laws that discriminated against non-white individuals. The nation’s policy of segregation, known as Apartheid, was still in effect. Some regions even planned to deprive Indian citizens of their voting rights.
Gandhi was determined to put an end to these unjust laws. In 1894, he founded the Natal Indian Congress, a group dedicated to rectifying the mistreatment of Indian people in South Africa. They practiced civil disobedience, a form of protest in which individuals refuse to obey unfair laws. Eventually, the government yielded to their demands and took steps to eliminate Indian discrimination in 1913.
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India. While South Africa had gained independence from Britain in 1910, India was still under British rule. Gandhi emerged as a prominent political figure and led nonviolent protests against the British government.
One of Gandhi’s significant actions was organizing the Salt March in response to Britain’s Salt Acts, which prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt. During the Salt March, thousands of Indians walked approximately 240 miles (390 kilometers) to the Arabian Sea. The march began with a small group of participants and grew to tens of thousands by its conclusion. When they reached the sea, Gandhi openly defied the law by making salt from seawater.
Following the Salt March, the government arrested around 60,000 people. Nonviolent protests persisted until India finally achieved independence from Britain in 1947. Throughout this struggle, Gandhi was arrested numerous times, yet he never resorted to violence against his adversaries.
Gandhi’s actions earned him the title “Father of India.” His dedication to nonviolence inspired individuals worldwide. However, Gandhi’s life came to a violent end when he was assassinated in 1948 while on his way to a prayer meeting.
Today, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy lives on. He continues to inspire civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. People worldwide recognize Gandhi’s significance, and many strive to follow his example. The next time you encounter an unfair rule, what will you do? Can you think of any nonviolent forms of protest?
Try It Out
Are you interested in learning more about Gandhi? Enlist the help of a friend or family member to engage in the following activities:
Inspiring Gandhi Quotes
Gandhi serves as an inspiration for many individuals, and his profound words can be truly impactful. Take a moment to read through these remarkable quotes by Gandhi. Afterward, select three quotes that resonated with you on a personal level. Share these quotes with a close friend or family member, and take the opportunity to explain why they hold meaning for you.
Dealing with Unfair Rules
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were asked to abide by a rule that you believed to be unjust? How did you handle it? Reflect on this experience and consider what actions you took or would have taken differently if given the chance. Write a narrative that delves into the rule itself, explaining why you perceived it as unfair, and elaborate on the outcome or the alternative choices you would make.
Unanswered Questions about Mahatma Gandhi
If you still have lingering inquiries regarding Mahatma Gandhi, jot them down. Seek assistance from a friend or family member to aid you in conducting online research and finding the answers you seek.
Sources for Further Exploration
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mahatma-Gandhi (accessed 08 Apr., 2019)
- https://www.biography.com/people/mahatma-gandhi-9305898 (accessed 08 Apr., 2019)
- https://www.history.com/topics/india/mahatma-gandhi (accessed 08 Apr., 2019)
- https://www.bbc.com/timelines/zpdqmp3 (accessed 08 Apr., 2019)
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