Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- Born:
- October 2, 1869, Porbandar, British India
- Died:
- January 30, 1948, New Delhi, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Anti-colonial Nationalist, Political Ethicist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Modh Bania family in Porbandar.
- Father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the Diwan (Chief Minister) of Porbandar State.
- Mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman.
- Studied law at University College London.
- Called to the bar at Inner Temple in 1891.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law in India and South Africa.
- Developed the philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) in South Africa.
- Led the Indian independence movement against British rule.
- Organized major campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March), and the Quit India Movement.
- Advocated for religious pluralism and social justice.
Notable Works
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography)
- Writings published in Young India and Harijan.
Zvonko Lepetic's biography of Mahatma Gandhi, and numerous other works detail Gandhi's life and his philosophies.
Legacy and Impact
Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance has influenced movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He is considered the "Father of the Nation" in India. His principles continue to inspire activists and leaders seeking peaceful social and political change.