Mahatma Gandhi | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 24, 2024

Who is Mahatma Gandhi?

Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was a pivotal leader in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He became renowned for his philosophy of non-violent resistance, which he termed "Satyagraha," advocating for social justice and civil rights while promoting peace and harmony. Gandhi's early experiences in South Africa shaped his understanding of discrimination, leading him to confront color prejudice and fight for the rights of Indian immigrants. His commitment to civil disobedience and non-cooperation galvanized millions of Indians, making him a symbol of resistance and hope for oppressed peoples globally.

Throughout his life, Gandhi emphasized values such as simplicity, self-reliance, and communal harmony. He famously rejected British goods, encouraged the production of homespun cloth, and led significant movements like the Salt March in 1930, which protested unjust salt laws. His dietary choices, including vegetarianism and fasting, reflected his spiritual beliefs and commitment to non-violence, further cementing his role as a moral leader. Despite his efforts to unite diverse religious communities in India, his assassination in 1948 by a Hindu extremist highlighted the deep divisions within the country. Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire civil rights movements worldwide, making him an enduring figure in the fight for justice and human dignity.

Early Life and Education

Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was raised in a politically active family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as a chief minister, while his mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman who instilled values of spirituality and non-violence in him. Initially, Gandhi was a timid and somewhat unremarkable student, struggling with confidence and societal expectations. Despite aspirations to become a doctor, family pressures guided him towards the legal profession, leading him to England in 1888 to study law.

Gandhi's time in London was marked by his struggle to adapt to Western culture, alongside a growing commitment to vegetarianism and a deeper exploration of various religious philosophies. This period was transformative for Gandhi, as he began to embrace values aligned with Jainism and Hinduism, including non-violence and simplicity. Returning to India in 1891 after his studies, he faced challenges as a lawyer, including a humiliating experience in court that accelerated his journey toward civil rights advocacy. This foundational stage in Gandhi's life ignited his passion for justice, which would later define his leadership in India's non-violent independence movement against British rule.

Gandhi's Notable Career Start in South Africa

Gandhi's notable career began in South Africa, where he first encountered the harsh realities of racial discrimination. After arriving in Durban in 1893 to fulfill a legal contract, Gandhi was shocked by the unsettling treatment of Indian immigrants by the white authorities. His pivotal moment occurred during a train journey when he was forcibly removed from a first-class compartment simply for being Indian, despite holding a valid ticket. This incident ignited a fire within him, leading Gandhi to dedicate himself to combating discrimination and the deep-seated prejudice against Indians in South Africa through peaceful means.

In response to the injustices he witnessed, Gandhi established the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, aiming to address and alleviate the suffering of his fellow Indian citizens. He launched his first major civil disobedience campaign, which he termed “Satyagraha,” in 1906, advocating for the rights of Indians in South Africa. His approach combined the principles of nonviolence and passive resistance, emphasizing moral courage over physical aggression. Through these efforts, Gandhi not only fought for civil rights but also fostered a sense of unity among the Indian community, laying the groundwork for his later role as a leader in India's fight for freedom.

Career Success and Achievements Against British Rule

Mahatma Gandhi, known for his leadership in India's non-violent struggle for independence against British rule, made significant contributions to civil rights both in India and South Africa. His journey began when he encountered racial discrimination in South Africa, prompting him to develop the philosophy of Satyagraha, or "truth and firmness." This approach became a cornerstone of his activism, emphasizing non-violent resistance. Gandhi organized various campaigns, including the Natal Indian Congress, to address the injustices faced by Indians in South Africa. His experiences there laid the groundwork for his future leadership in India, where he galvanized mass movements against British policies.

In India, Gandhi's strategy of civil disobedience gained momentum through numerous campaigns, including the Salt March in 1930, which protested against the British monopoly on salt and tax policies. This iconic march became a powerful symbol of resistance and drew international attention to India's plight. By promoting the principle of self-reliance, he encouraged Indians to produce their own goods and boycott British products. Gandhi's ability to mobilize the masses around issues of injustice inspired widespread participation in the independence movement, making him a unifying figure and a catalyst for change, ultimately leading to India's independence in 1947.

Gandhi and the Salt March

Gandhi's activism reached a pivotal moment in 1930 with the Salt March, a significant act of civil disobedience against British regulation in India. The British government imposed a heavy tax on salt, a staple in Indian diets, while prohibiting Indians from collecting their own salt. In response, Gandhi launched a 240-mile march from Sabarmati to the Arabian Sea, which symbolized nonviolent resistance and galvanized the Indian populace. Beginning on March 12, 1930, Gandhi and his followers walked for 24 days, attracting attention and support along the way. Upon reaching the coast, Gandhi publicly defied the law by collecting salt, marking a crucial step in the struggle for Indian independence.

The Salt March sparked widespread civil disobedience across India, leading to thousands of arrests, including Gandhi himself. This moment of defiance not only challenged British authority but also unified Indians from various backgrounds against colonial rule. Gandhi’s simple act of collecting salt became a powerful symbol of resistance and self-sufficiency, exemplifying his philosophy of Satyagraha—truth and firmness. The march not only intensified nationalistic sentiments but also drew international attention to the Indian independence movement, earning Gandhi recognition as a global icon of peace and nonviolent protest.

Personal Life: Married Life with Kasturba and Children

Mahatma Gandhi’s personal life was intertwined with his activism, particularly through his marriage to Kasturba Makanji. They wed at the tender age of 13 in an arranged marriage, which was typical of the time. Despite the traditional nature of their union, Kasturba became a steadfast partner in Gandhi's life and work. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect, with Kasturba actively participating in Gandhi's campaigns for civil rights and independence. She often accompanied him during his travels and demonstrations, sharing his burden and supporting his visions for social reform and justice in India.

Together, they had four surviving sons, each instrumental in shaping Gandhi’s perspectives on fatherhood and family life. Their eldest son, Harilal, struggled to find his path under the shadow of his father’s immense influence, while the other sons navigated their own journeys during India's tumultuous struggle for independence. Kasturba's unwavering support helped Gandhi maintain his focus on their shared goals, even as their personal lives faced challenges. The couple's bond exemplified the merging of personal and public life, illustrating how Gandhi's principles of simplicity, non-violence, and compassion extended into his family dynamics.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Aspects of Gandhi's Life

Mahatma Gandhi's financial life was deeply intertwined with his principles of simplicity and self-reliance. Throughout his life, he earned a modest income primarily through his legal career, particularly during his early years in South Africa where he established a successful legal practice. However, his earnings substantially diminished as he transitioned into his role as a political leader and social reformer. Gandhi chose to live a frugal lifestyle, often wearing simple homespun clothing and subsisting on a vegetarian diet, which reflected his commitment to minimalism and anti-materialism.

Despite his limited financial resources, Gandhi's influence and leadership propelled him into the international spotlight, making him a symbol of the Indian independence movement. He often funded his initiatives and campaigns through small donations from followers and supporters. Gandhi also placed significant value on the concept of self-sufficiency, urging Indians to spin their own cloth and promote local industries, which resonated with his belief in economic independence from British rule. Ultimately, while Gandhi may not have amassed wealth in conventional terms, his legacy as a paragon of integrity and selflessness continues to resonate, transcending monetary value.