Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was not only one of the greatest leaders of India, but also of the world. Non-violence, truth and affection were some of the important principles followed by him. By following these principles, he fought and helped India in gaining independence. He never used arms and weapons to win the struggle of India’s independence.

His full name was Mohandas Karmchand Gandhi. People lovingly called him ‘Bapu Ji’. He is also known as, ‘Father of the Nation’. On 2nd October 1869, he was born in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gandhiji had the ability to control his thoughts and actions to achieve what he wanted. If he decided to do something, he did it no matter how difficult it was. Once he promised himself that he would have an early morning prayers every day. From that day, he never missed his prayers.

He went to England to study law. He completed his law and came back to India in 1893. He started his career as a lawyer and helped poor and honest people. When he went to South Africa, he found that Indians were treated very badly. He himself suffered injustice in South Africa. One day when Gandhiji was traveling in a first class compartment of a train in South Africa, he was pushed out of the compartment by some white men.

Gandhiji believed in giving lot of importance to truth, simplicity and non-violence. He wore simple clothes. He wore a white dhoti above the knees and sometimes a shawl. How did he come to make this choice of clothes? Once he had to deliver a lecture in Orissa. Many people had gathered to hear him. However, in those days, women were not seen at public gatherings or meetings. On inquiring, Gandhiji found that people in that part of the country were very poor. Women had no decent clothes to wear. Gandhiji felt very sad for them. From that day, he decided to wear simple and minimum clothes.

Once, he had gone to England to attend a very important conference. King George of England had invited the members of the conference at his palace. They were asked to dress up in a certain way. Gandhiji made it very clear that he would dress in his usual way. He wore the dress of people whom he represented. Millions of poor people across India were happy to see him dress like them.

Gandhiji had millions of loyal followers. He showed people a new path of Satyagraha. He is remembered for his greatness not only in India, but also in different parts of the world. On 30 January 1948, while he was on his way to daily prayer, he was shot dead. Entire world mourned his death. His body was cremated at Raj Ghat in New Delhi. Every year this day is observed as the Martyr Day.