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Wed, 10 Mar, 2021

Mahatma Gandhi: The Guiding Light of India's Freedom Struggle!

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Introduction 

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and author who rose to prominence as the head of the nationalist movement opposing British rule in India. Gandhi is worldwide renowned for his peaceful protest (satyagraha) theory, which he used to achieve political and social development. As a result, he came to be known as the Bapu, or the father of the nation.

Young Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was his full name. He was born in Porbandar, Saurashtra, on October 2, 1869. His father was Karamchand Gandhi, and his mother was Putalibai. He went to school in Rajkot and Bhavnagar. He was the fourth and youngest child in his family.

Kasturba Manji was Gandhi's wife. He got married when he was only 13 years old. In the year 1888, Mohandas and Kasturba gave birth to a son. Mahatma Gandhi furthered his study in South Africa, where he studied law.

Young Gandhi was a vivid mirror of his mother's principles. He began his career as a lawyer. He moved to India to pursue the same goal, but he could not make a living from the expertise that he had acquired. 

His Role In The Freedom Struggle 

Mahatma Gandhi was a brave man and one of the world's most exemplary leaders. He was the most influential and important person in Indian history. Mohandas Gandhi was even imprisoned for several years during this struggle. He sacrificed his life for India's struggle for independence. 

He played a vital role in events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Simon Commission, non-cooperative movements, the Quit India movement, and the Dandi March to help India gain independence. He believed in truth and nonviolence (Ahimsa). He saw peace as the most crucial factor in winning any war. 

In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi arrived on the scene of India's fight for independence, and the struggle embraced a new direction. White people in South Africa thought they were superior to brown people and treated them horribly. Gandhi was a lawyer in South Africa and even initiated a movement of Indians and dark-skinned people against white-skinned people. 

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The Swadeshi Movement

Mahatma Gandhi started the Swadeshi movement by adopting charkha and urging Indians to weave their clothes. He ingeniously used the charkha or spinning wheel as a euphemism for 'ancient work principles' and a sign of economic and social opposition to British rule as a crucial instrument for political freedom. Gandhi and his charkha, or spinning wheel, are well-known worldwide. 

Mahatma Gandhi renounced his garments and used to dress in a loincloth sewed by himself. He practised Hinduism and was responsible, courteous, and devoted to his religion. Gandhi lived his life following his principles. He was also a supporter of simplicity and justice. Mohandas had a strong belief in prayer and God. He helped the needy and was the finest man alive at the moment. People referred to him as 'Mahatma.' 

United Front To Attain Freedom

Gandhi knew that all Indians would have to unite to defeat the Britishers. He desired the abolition of all societal ills and foreign rule. The British introduced new laws in 1919. Gandhi originally requested that the government must not implement these, and when the government refused, he began his peaceful and silent protest movement. 

He asked the people of India not to obey these regulations to express their displeasure. Gandhi’s plea drew a significant response across the country. There were meetings and protests, and finally, India got its independence in 1947.

Unfortunately, Gandhi couldn't be a part of free India for long. Nathuram Godse murdered him on January 30, 1948. When Gandhi was assassinated, his death left a huge void in the nation's life.

Thus, conclusively, Mahatma Gandhi was one of the greatest persons in history. Most notably, Indians honour him by referring to him as the "Father of the Nation." His name will undoubtedly live on for future years.

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