Mahatma Gandhi popularly known as ‘Father of the Nation’ was one of the

charismatic Indian leaders who fought for the freedom of the country. This great leader was
born in Porbandar, Gujarat on Oct 2, 1869. He was the youngest of the three sons of Putlibai
and Karamchand Gandhi. He completed his primary studies in Rajkot and was married to
Kasturba at the age of 13.

In 1891, Gandhi went to London to study Law but after having admitted to Britisah
bar he returned to India and began law practice in Bombay. After a span of two years he was
called by an Indian company in South Africa to work as a legal advisor. There he found that
he was ill-treated and abused because of inferior race and color discrimination. This was a
common problem with all Indians. He then decided to throw himself into the freedom
struggle to secure rights for Indian people. For this cause, Gandhi stayed in South Africa for
almost 25 years.

Influenced by the Bhagvad Gita and Hindu beliefs, the Jain religion and the Christian
teachings of Leo Tolstoy, Gandhi moved on the path of Satya and Ahimsa. ‘Satya’ meaning
‘truth’ and ‘ahimsa’ meaning ‘non-violence’ were the two weapons that Gandhi used to
fight the enemy. He led the campaign in South Africa with the principle of Satyagraha for
Indian rights and was arrested many times for his political activities. In 1914, many of
Gandhi’s demands were accepted by the Government of the Union of South Africa. After his
struggle in South Africa he returned to India and started Non-Cooperation movement there.
Gandhi, after returning to India inspired people to boycott British goods and refuse
earthy possessions. This movement was known as Swaraj and was economically significant
because Indian home industries were virtually destructed by British industrialists. He
advocated renewal of native Indian industries and began to use a spinning wheel as a token
of return to simple village life. Thereafter, he constantly began promoting satyagraha, non-
violence, non-cooperation and swaraj to achieve independence. Finally, in August 1947, the
British were forced to leave India.

Mahatma Gandhi, symbol of Free India, was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in

January 1948. His mortal frame has already turned into ashes years ago but he still lives in
the hearts of millions of people. Mahatma Gandhi, an embodiment of eternal love and
truth, will live for immortal ages.