Who Was Gandhiji?

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, affectionately called Mahatma Gandhi or simply Gandhiji, remains one of the most influential figures in modern history. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, Gandhi is best remembered as a leader of India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. His unique philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (satyagraha) not only helped India achieve independence but also inspired movements for civil rights and justice around the world.

This article will explore Gandhiji’s life, principles, achievements, and his lasting legacy.

Early Life and Education

Gandhiji was born into a middle-class family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as a political figure in the princely state of Porbandar, while his mother, Putlibai, was deeply religious, shaping young Gandhi’s spiritual foundation.

As a child, Gandhi was shy and introverted. However, he was also curious and displayed a strong moral character from a young age. At the age of 13, he was married to Kasturba Makhanji, in line with the tradition of child marriage that was common in India at the time.

In 1888, Gandhi traveled to London to study law at the Inner Temple. While in England, he adapted to Western life, but he also began studying different religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, which shaped his belief in religious harmony. He qualified as a barrister in 1891 and returned to India to practice law.

Struggles in South Africa

Gandhiji’s defining transformation occurred in South Africa, where he went in 1893 to work on a legal case. There, he personally experienced racial discrimination. One incident that deeply impacted him was when he was thrown out of a first-class train compartment despite holding a valid ticket, simply because of his skin color.

This humiliation awakened his sense of justice and marked the beginning of his journey as a leader. Gandhi spent over 20 years in South Africa, fighting against racial oppression. During this time, he developed his principle of Satyagraha, meaning “holding firmly to the truth.” Instead of responding to injustice with violence, Gandhi believed in peaceful resistance and civil disobedience.

He organized the Indian community in South Africa to resist unfair laws through non-violent protests. These movements became a testing ground for the methods he would later apply in India.

Return to India and Leadership in the Freedom Struggle

Gandhiji returned to India in 1915 and soon became a leader of the Indian National Congress. He observed the struggles of ordinary Indians under British rule, including poverty, exploitation, and lack of political rights. Instead of aligning only with elites, Gandhi connected directly with villagers, farmers, and laborers, becoming the voice of the masses.

Some of his most notable movements include:

Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha

In Champaran (Bihar) and Kheda (Gujarat), farmers were being exploited by landlords and colonial authorities. Gandhi organized peaceful protests, which resulted in concessions for the farmers. These early victories established him as a leader of the people.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

In response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, where hundreds of Indians were killed by British troops, Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement. Indians boycotted British goods, institutions, and titles. The movement spread like wildfire, uniting people across regions and religions. Although it was suspended after incidents of violence, it demonstrated the power of collective peaceful resistance.

Salt March (1930)

One of Gandhi’s most iconic acts was the Salt March. The British had imposed a heavy tax on salt, a necessity of daily life. Gandhi walked 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi with thousands of followers, producing salt from seawater in defiance of the law. This simple yet symbolic act shook the foundations of British authority and drew global attention.

Quit India Movement (1942)

During World War II, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an end to British rule. His call for “Do or Die” mobilized millions of Indians. Although he was imprisoned, the movement marked the beginning of the end for British colonialism in India.

Philosophy of Gandhiji

At the heart of Gandhiji’s life was his philosophy, which was deeply rooted in moral and spiritual principles.

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

For Gandhi, non-violence was not merely the absence of physical harm but a way of life. He believed that hatred only breeds more hatred, while love and forgiveness could transform adversaries into allies.

Satyagraha (Truth and Resistance)

Gandhi’s idea of Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and peaceful resistance. He argued that unjust laws should be resisted, not with anger or violence, but with courage, patience, and moral strength.

Sarvodaya (Welfare of All)

Gandhi’s vision was not just political freedom but also social and economic justice. He wanted India to build a self-reliant economy based on villages, handicrafts, and equality, ensuring the welfare of all.

Religious Tolerance

Although deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, Gandhi respected all religions. He often quoted from the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, and the Bible, believing that all faiths shared a common truth.

Personal Life and Simplicity

Gandhiji lived a life of extreme simplicity. He dressed in hand-spun khadi clothes, symbolizing self-reliance and solidarity with the poor. He lived in ashrams, practiced vegetarianism, and emphasized cleanliness, discipline, and meditation.

Despite being a global leader, Gandhi rejected luxury and power. His humility and lifestyle reflected his belief that true leadership means serving others.

Criticism and Challenges

Like all great leaders, Gandhi faced criticism. Some felt his methods were too slow or impractical in the face of colonial repression. Revolutionary leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh believed in more radical methods.

Others criticized his social views, such as his stance on caste and industrialization. However, even his critics acknowledged his moral courage and unmatched ability to mobilize millions without violence.

Assassination

On January 30, 1948, just months after India’s independence, Gandhiji was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist who opposed Gandhi’s views on communal harmony and his efforts to unite Hindus and Muslims. His death shocked the world, and India mourned the loss of the “Father of the Nation.”

Global Influence and Legacy

Gandhiji’s impact reached far beyond India. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States, Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar drew inspiration from his philosophy of non-violence.

In India, Gandhi is remembered as the Father of the Nation. His birthday, October 2, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.

His vision for a just and peaceful world continues to inspire movements for civil rights, environmental protection, and social justice.

Conclusion

Gandhiji was more than a political leader—he was a moral visionary. Through his principles of truth, non-violence, and simplicity, he transformed not just India’s struggle for independence but also the way the world thinks about justice and resistance.

Although he lived in an era of violence and oppression, Gandhi proved that peaceful means could bring about powerful change. His life reminds us that one individual, armed with courage and moral conviction, can challenge empires and inspire generations.

Gandhiji’s message remains timeless: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”