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 Gujarati Hindu family.
- Studied law at University College London.
- Admitted to the bar in 1891 and attempted to establish a law practice in India.
Career and Major Achievements
- Spent 21 years in South Africa, working to protect the rights of Indian immigrants.
- Developed and practiced Satyagraha, a philosophy of non-violent resistance.
- Led the Indian independence movement against British rule.
- Organized various protests and boycotts, including the Salt March in 1930.
- Played a key role in India's independence in 1947.
Notable Works
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography)
- Numerous articles and speeches advocating for independence and social justice.
- The subject of numerous biographies, including detailed analysis like the Gertje Utley biography of Mahatma Gandhi, exploring his philosophical foundations and political strategies.
Legacy and Impact
Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance has inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He is revered as the "Father of the Nation" in India and remains a symbol of peace and social justice.
Key Campaigns
| Campaign | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha | 1917-1918 | Fought for the rights of farmers against oppressive landlords. |
| Non-cooperation Movement | 1920-1922 | Called for Indians to boycott British institutions. |
| Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) | 1930 | Protested the British salt monopoly. |
| Quit India Movement | 1942 | Demanded an immediate end to British rule. |