Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential and iconic political leaders in India’s history. His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and he was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. Gandhi studied law in London and later moved to South Africa to practice law, where he first began his activism against racial discrimination that was rampant there at the time.

In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule. He advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience and led various campaigns and protests against the British. His tactics of peaceful resistance through mass civil disobedience eventually led India to its independence in 1947.

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Essay on Mahatma Gandhi (200 Words)

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential leaders in India’s history. He was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. Gandhi studied law in London and then went to work in South Africa. There, he saw how badly Indians were treated. This made him start thinking about how to free India from British rule.

When Gandhi returned to India, he became a leader in the struggle for India’s independence. Gandhi believed in nonviolent protest. He told his followers to resist peacefully instead of using violence. Some of the ways he protested were through boycotts, hunger strikes, and peaceful marches. Gandhi was given the name “Mahatma,” which means “great soul.” This was because of his spiritual leadership and commitment to nonviolence.

Gandhi inspired many people to join the cause for India’s freedom. His nonviolent teachings also influenced civil rights leaders across the world, like Martin Luther King Jr. Even though Gandhi faced jail time for his protests, he never gave up his peaceful fight. After decades of struggle, Gandhi’s efforts finally paid off. In 1947, India gained its independence from Great Britain. Gandhi is remembered today for his sacrifices and his message of nonviolence. He proved that freedom can be achieved through peaceful means. Gandhi remains one of the most admired leaders in history.

Essay on Mahatma Gandhi (500 Words)

Introduction

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential and inspirational figures in India’s independence movement. Often called ‘Bapu’, Gandhi practiced non-violence and civil disobedience to protest against the British rule in India. Through his leadership and unmatched determination, Gandhi led India to its independence in 1947.

Early Life

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 to a Hindu family in Porbandar, Gujarat. His father, Karamchand Gandhi served as the Chief Minister of Porbandar. Gandhi grew up in a wealthy and religious family that had major influence in the region. After completing his primary education in India, Gandhi moved to London in 1888 to study law. He returned to India in 1891 and started practicing law in Bombay.

Gandhi went to South Africa in 1893 as a legal representative of an Indian firm. He spent over 20 years in South Africa fighting for civil rights of the Indian community there. This period played a major role in shaping Gandhi’s political views and forming his techniques to fight social and political injustice.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and joined the Indian National Congress. He believed that the way to end British rule in India was through non-violent civil disobedience. His first major campaign was the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 through which he fought for the rights of farmers. In 1919, Gandhi launched the Non-cooperation Movement, asking Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.

Gandhi led numerous campaigns over the next 2 decades demanding India’s independence. Some major ones include the Salt March, Quit India Movement and fasts/hunger strikes. Through his relentless efforts, Gandhi became the undisputed leader of India’s independence movement commanding the support and respect of millions of Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Principles and Beliefs

At the core of Gandhi’s political views and freedom movement were the principles of truth, non-violence and social equality. He advocated equality not just politically but also socially and economically. Gandhi was deeply opposed to untouchability and worked extensively for the empowerment of women, poor farmers and laborers.

He believed in the power of unity among Hindus and Muslims to fight British rule. Gandhi led a simple life, practicing self-discipline and austerity. He was deeply spiritual and derived inspiration from his Hindu faith and texts like the Bhagwad Gita. Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to non-violence made him stand out as a leader in India’s independence struggle.

Impact and Legacy

Through his sheer will power and unflinching determination, Gandhi led India to independence in 1947. His policies and techniques of non-violent civil disobedience inspired leaders across the world including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Gandhi, an apostle of peace, continues to be revered worldwide for his political views and simple living. In India, he is remembered as the Father of the Nation who unified the country and freed it from British rule. Gandhi’s birth anniversary on 2nd October is celebrated every year as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday in India. Through his life and message of truth and non-violence, Gandhi remains an eternal source of inspiration for millions around the world.

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi played the most prominent role in India’s freedom struggle through his exemplary leadership and advocacy of non-violence. He inspired the common people of India to rise up against injustice and demand independence. His unwavering commitment to his principles led India to Swaraj in 1947. Gandhi remains an iconic figure whose life and message continues to inspire people globally towards truth and non-violence.

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