Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India.1)
His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and he is often referred to as the “Father of the Nation” in India.2)
Gandhi's early education was in law in London, where he studied at University College London.3)
Gandhi practiced law in South Africa, where he became involved in civil rights activism and developed his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.4)
The term “Mahatma” means “Great Soul” and was given to him by his followers.5)
Gandhi was a strong advocate for vegetarianism and practiced it throughout his life.6)
He started his public career as a civil rights activist in South Africa, fighting against discrimination faced by the Indian community.7)
Gandhi popularized the concept of “Satyagraha,” which translates to “truth force” or “soul force,” as a form of nonviolent resistance.8)
He led various campaigns against racial discrimination in South Africa, using nonviolent methods to achieve social and political change.9)
Upon returning to India, Gandhi became a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.10)
The famous Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, took place in 1930, where Gandhi and a group of followers walked 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to protest the British monopoly on salt.11)
Gandhi advocated for the spinning wheel (charkha) as a symbol of self-sufficiency and a way to promote the textile industry in India.12)
He often wore a simple loincloth and shawl, symbolizing his identification with the poor and downtrodden.13)
Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence influenced civil rights movements around the world, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for equality in the United States.14)
He was imprisoned numerous times for his acts of civil disobedience.15)
Gandhi had a deep commitment to communal harmony and worked to bridge the gaps between Hindus and Muslims.16)
He fasted as a form of protest, using it as a powerful tool to bring attention to social issues.17)
Gandhi's autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” provides insights into his life, philosophy, and struggles.18)
In 1942, during World War II, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an end to British rule in India.19)
Despite advocating nonviolence, Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist.20)
The place where Gandhi was assassinated, Birla House in New Delhi, is now the Gandhi Smriti museum.21)
Gandhi's birthday, October 2nd, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday in India.22)
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2nd to honor Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance.23)
Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never won.24)
He had a set of guiding principles known as the “Seven Social Sins,” which included wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, and knowledge without character.25)
Gandhi believed in the concept of “Sarvodaya,” meaning the welfare of all.26)
He was a strong advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in the Indian women's movement.27)
Gandhi undertook numerous fasts for various causes, including communal harmony, removal of untouchability, and protest against British policies.28)
The spinning wheel featured on the Indian national flag symbolizes Gandhi's emphasis on self-sufficiency and economic independence.29)
Gandhi was influenced by the writings of Tolstoy, Thoreau, and Ruskin, which shaped his ideas on nonviolence and simple living.30)
He believed in the power of constructive work, emphasizing that individuals should engage in productive activities for societal benefit.31)
Gandhi was a strong proponent of education and believed in imparting education that would develop character and instill a sense of responsibility.32)
The famous phrase “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” is often attributed to Gandhi.33)
He experimented with communal living and founded the Phoenix Settlement in South Africa, where people of different races lived together.34)
The Indian government issues postal stamps featuring Gandhi regularly to honor his contributions.35)
Gandhi's efforts led to the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931, which marked a truce between the Indian National Congress and the British government.36)
In 1930, Time magazine named Gandhi the Man of the Year.37)
The Sabarmati Ashram, established by Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati River, served as his residence and the base for many of his activities.38)
Gandhi was a prolific writer, and his collected works, known as “The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi,” are a comprehensive compilation of his writings and speeches.39)
He was deeply committed to promoting Khadi (hand-spun and handwoven cloth) as a means to uplift the rural economy.40)
Gandhi's philosophy influenced leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Cesar Chavez, and Martin Luther King Jr.41)
The film “Gandhi,” released in 1982, directed by Richard Attenborough, won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.42)
The United Nations General Assembly declared October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence in honor of Gandhi's birthday.43)
The Salt March had a profound impact on the Indian independence movement, mobilizing people across the country in their fight against British salt taxes.44)
Gandhi's legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice, human rights, and nonviolent resistance worldwide.45)