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 Hindu Modh Bania family.
- Father served as the Diwan (Chief Minister) of Porbandar state.
- Studied law at University College London.
- Admitted to the English Bar in 1891.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law in Bombay (Mumbai) and Rajkot with limited success.
- Moved to South Africa in 1893 to work for an Indian firm.
- Developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) in South Africa, fighting for the rights of the Indian community.
- Returned to India in 1915 and became a leader in the Indian nationalist movement.
- Led numerous nonviolent campaigns against British rule, including the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), the Salt Satyagraha (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942).
- Negotiated with the British government for Indian independence.
- Played a crucial role in India achieving independence in 1947.
Notable Works
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography)
- Writings published in Young India and Harijan.
Legacy and Impact
Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance has inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. His commitment to social justice and equality continues to resonate globally. His life and teachings are subjects of intense academic study and biographical analysis, including works like, 'paksima zakipour biography of mahatma gandhi' which provides a contemporary perspective.
Awards and Recognition
Year | Award/Recognition |
---|---|
1937, 1938, 1939, 1947 | Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (but never awarded) |