Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ![]() | |
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Mahatma Gandhi in 1947 | |
Born | 02 October 1869 |
Birthplace | Porbandar, Gujarat, British India |
Died | 30 January 1948 (aged 78) |
Place of death | New Delhi, India |
Resting place | Raj Ghat, New Delhi |
Nationality | Indian |
Occupation | Lawyer, Freedom Activist, Political Leader, Social Reformer |
Years active | 1893–1948 |
Known for | Indian Independence Movement, Satyagraha, Non-violent resistance |
Notable works | Hind Swaraj, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Salt March, Quit India Movement |
Awards | Time Person of the Year (1930); Global tributes including statues, memorials, and a national holiday (Gandhi Jayanti) |
Spouse(s) | Kasturba Gandhi |
Children | Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, Devdas |
Parents | Karamchand Gandhi (father), Putlibai Gandhi (mother) |
Religion | Hinduism |
Website | Official Government Portal |
Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948), born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who led the campaign for India's independence from British rule using nonviolent resistance known as Satyagraha.
Early Life
Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in a Hindu Modh Bania family. He studied law at the Inner Temple in London and was called to the bar in 1891.In 1893, he moved to South Africa where he spent 21 years fighting racial injustice.
Political Career
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and quickly became a key figure in the Indian Independence Movement. He launched several major movements:
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
- Salt Satyagraha or Dandi March (1930)
- Quit India Movement (1942)
His philosophy of peaceful resistance inspired movements worldwide, including those by Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
Philosophy
Gandhi’s ideology included:
- Ahimsa – Non-violence in thought and action
- Satyagraha – Truth-force or soul-force
- Swadeshi – Use of indigenous goods
- Sarvodaya – Upliftment of all
Assassination
On 30 January 1948, Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist opposed to his inclusive policies. His death was mourned globally.
Legacy
- Honored as the Father of the Nation in India
- 2 October is observed as Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence
- Subject of countless biographies and films, notably *Gandhi* (1982)
Notable Works
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth – Autobiography
- Salt March (1930)
- Quit India Speech (1942)
Awards and Honors
- **Time Magazine’s Man of the Year (1930)**
- Streets, universities, and statues dedicated in his honor globally
- Revered for his philosophy of non-violence and justice