It is 2nd October, 2019. The world is talking about Modiji, the Indian governance has been taking steps to move up the ladder, the world is recognising India on a global pedestal. It’s the day to recall the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. The political situation in India, our freedom movement saw a great deal of the Gandhian school of thought, and since then so many Indians and people across the globe have been reading about him, following his ideologies of being. Today as we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary, we are recounting 10 facts about Mahatma Gandhi that every Indian must know!
Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi), was born in Porbandar, on October 2, 1869. He was an Indian lawyer, a social activist, a leader, and a writer. He became the leader of the Nationalist movement against the British rule in India. Gandhiji is known for his doctrine of Satyagraha (Nonviolent protest), and is an idol still read about, his ideologies still followed by so many across the globe!
1. Bapu’s views on Independence
Gandhiji’s views on Independence changed after the Amritsar massacare. It was after the heinous event that he decided that India must look forward to gaining full independence. Following this he led mass protests un 1919-1922, preceding the famous Dandi march in 1930. This led to the Britishers promising self governance in 1931, but not full independence.
2. His letter to Hilter
In a letter addressed directly to Hitler, Gandhiji on December 24, 1940 appealed for peace. In his own words, he said – “We have no doubt about your bravery or devotion to your fatherland, nor do we believe that you are the monster described by your opponents,” wrote Gandhi. “But your own writings and pronouncements and those of your friends and admirers leave no room for doubt that many of your acts are monstrous and unbecoming of human dignity, especially in the estimation of men like me who believe in universal friendliness.”
3. His life before a leader
Gandhiji served in the army during the Boer (the Dutch) war – India wasn’t the first place he began his crusade against violence.
4. Activism in other countries
Gandhiji started as an activist from South Africa, unlike popular thinking that he must have begun in India. The mistreatment and discrimination he faced in South Africa led him to campaign for the civil rights of Indians in South Africa, and he eventually developed his concept of “satyagraha” (nonviolent resistance). Afterward, he returned to India, where he became a transformative figure and led the nonviolent social action movement for India’s independence.
5. His other ‘fights’
Gandhiji not only fought for independence, he also fought for the civil rights for women, the abolition of the caste system, and the fair treatment of all people regardless of religion.
6. The power of defiance
The British government didn’t allow official photos of Gandhiji to be published while he was fasting, for the fear of further fuelling the push for independence.
7. His idea of governance
Unlike popular belief, Gandhiji was a “philosophical anarchist” who believed that a good moral code, and non-violence could lead to a self-governing nation. He did not want an established government in India.
8. India’s connection with WWI
Despite being famous for nonviolence and involvement in the Indian independence movement, Gandhi actually recruited Indians to fight for Britain during World War I. However, he did oppose India’s involvement in World War II.
9. Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
Despite being nominated for the Nobel Peace prize five times, Gandhiji could not be awarded one. He was nominated the year he was assassinated, but that year the committee did not award anyone, owing to no eligible candidate alive. Till date Gandhiji is a source of inspiration for several Nobel prize winners.
10. His assassination
Gandhiji was assassinated by a ‘Hindu’ on January 30, 1948, who shot him three times at point-blank range. More than two million people attended Gandhi’s funeral. The epitaph on his memorial in New Delhi reads “Hey Ram” which are said to be his last words.
Gandhiji was undeniably a protagonist of peace, a man who stood by his principles of non-violence, and hatred. Even after 150 years, he still remains a torch bearer for those seeking his path of righteousness.
It indeed is a big deal that a nation survived colonial rule, put up a strong front, and took to non-violence leading to gradual independence. Rightly said, Gandhiji does remain – the father of our Nation.
We at IndoreHD salute the spirit of this leader who is admired for his will, and thought and is still appreciated by world leaders of today’s time!
In the spirit of a great leader, here is a small token of appreciation for a Forest Officer from M.P. who is actively changing the scenario by enabling jobs for over 1k tribal youth. Read our piece here.
