Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was an Indian political and spiritual leader who played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
He is known for his philosophy of non-violent resistance and his emphasis on moral and spiritual values.
Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869. He studied law in England and returned to India in 1891 to practice law. However, he was soon drawn into the Indian nationalist movement, which was advocating for independence from British rule.
Gandhi became a leader of the Indian National Congress, a political party that played a key role in the struggle for independence.
He advocated for non-violent resistance, or satyagraha, as a means of achieving political and social change. This approach involved peaceful protests, strikes, and civil disobedience.
One of Gandhi’s most famous campaigns was the Salt March in 1930, in which he and his followers marched 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to protest the British salt tax. The campaign drew international attention and helped to galvanize support for Indian independence.
Gandhi was also known for his emphasis on moral and spiritual values. He believed that individuals had a duty to live a simple and selfless life, and he promoted the idea of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all living beings.
He was a devout Hindu, but he also drew inspiration from other religious traditions, including Christianity and Islam.
Despite his commitment to non-violence, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist in 1948.
He is remembered as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, and his philosophy of non-violence has inspired movements for social and political change around the world.
