Gandhi (Bapu): The Man Who Gave India Her First Freedom Fighters

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, is regarded as the Father of the Nation. Gandhi was a social reformist and leader of the Indian Independence Movement who introduced the idea of nonviolent resistance called Satyagrah.

Who was Gandhi?

Gandhi was born in 1869 in the city of Porbandar. He was a prolific author, poet, philosopher, and politician. Gandhi founded the Indian National Congress and is also credited with changing the course of the Indian Independence Movement. Gandhi led India to victory in the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the Anglo-Burmese War. He is known for founding the Salt Satyagraha movement that led to India abolishing the infamous Tax of Salt in 1930. Also, in his lifetime, Gandhi was the leader of the Indian National Congress, a member of the Parliament of India, and a world-renowned philosopher, scientist, and peace activist. "The most dangerous man is he who is more dedicated to his country and his people than himself, for, in that case, he is a danger to others as well as himself.

What are the key points of Gandhi's life?

Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Rajkot. He was the eldest of two sons. He was baptized Shriman Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He completed his schooling at Rajkot Zila School. He then went on to complete B.A. in Philosophy and Law at Edinburgh College of law in 1891 and 1892 respectively. In 1892, he traveled to London and went to study law at Lincoln's Inn. He passed the bar examination in 1893. He also went to France to study law but was expelled from France as a non-white immigrant. In 1894, he returned to India. Gandhi went on to work as a lawyer in Bombay and became active in several social causes. He and members of his family were arrested in December 1893 by the British police for his involvement in the Non-Cooperation movement.

As a leader, what were Gandhi's main contributions to the Indian Independence movement?

Bapu, as he was called by the Indian people, was born on 2 October 1869, in Prince of Wales house in Dharasana, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat state. His father, Motilal, was a general in the British Indian Army and taught Gandhi to stand up for what was right. The strength of Bapu's resolve began to show at the age of 12 when he found that his school teacher had ordered the young boy to stand at a distance and listen to a lecture by the non-vocal music teacher. Gandhi pleaded with his teacher and when the music teacher refused to meet his request, he left the school, and as he said, "I was left with no choice but to give my life for truth." In 1883, Bapu joined a local Hindu group called Hindu Sangh, when he was only 15 years old.

How is Mahatma Gandhi remembered today?

Gandhi's Memorial is in New Delhi, India In the '80s, some of his disciples and friends invited me to join them at the memorial service every year. One day in May 2016, I went with them to lay a wreath at the memorial. At the entrance of the memorial, we were requested to get out of our shoes, make the Swastika sign on our forehead, and listen to some of the prayers offered there. After that, we visited the museum of the Mahatma. The same routine was followed every year. When we were asked to go to another building to pray, I questioned the party leaders, why was the service carried out at two places? They answered that the memorial was a place of reverence. After hearing the explanation, I agreed and we went to the next place.

Conclusion

On June 4, 1936, Bapu wrote the letter which led to the police escorting the Viceroy of India back to Britain. This letter, combined with the armed Gandhian movement, was a major milestone in India's independence. Gandhi was a symbol of the "confrontational" strategy of non-violence which emerged during the last phase of the Indian freedom struggle. "The Government of India and the Viceroy have acted in the present crisis more oppressively and unjustly than I have ever known. Despite the claims of the Government that it would be acting within the law, it has so far acted entirely outside the law. It has violated the rights of the people of India. Its action towards India's allies and friends has been contemptible and has injured the feelings of Indians.