Mahatma Gandhi
MK Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is widely regarded as the father of the Indian independence movement. He was a political and spiritual leader who used nonviolent civil disobedience to lead India to independence from British rule. Let us take a look at his early life, education, professional life, and achievements.
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Early Life of MK Gandhi
MK Gandhi, known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on the 2nd of October, 1869. The iconic figure heralded from the coastal town of Porbandar, situated on the Kathiawar Peninsula in the British Raj. He was born into a Gujarati Hindu Modh Bania family with a strong political background, with his father, Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi, serving as the chief minister of Porbandar state. Even as a child, MK Gandhi displayed an unquenchable curiosity, endlessly roaming and playing, much like “restless mercury.” His early life was greatly influenced by Indian classics, leaving a permanent imprint on his mind, steering him towards values of truth and love.
Personal Life
Gandhi’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his spiritual and ethical beliefs. His mother, Putlibai, played a pivotal role in shaping his values. She was an extremely pious woman, whose commitment to her daily prayers and fasting deeply impacted Gandhi. From her, he imbibed the practice of introspection and fasting as a form of spiritual discipline. His personal life was also marked by simplicity, as he adopted a simple lifestyle, living in a self-sufficient community, and adopting the traditional dhoti as his attire to identify with India’s rural poor.
Professional Life of MK Gandhi
Gandhi’s professional journey began with his training in law at the Inner Temple, London. However, his real calling was ignited during his 21-year sojourn in South Africa, where he first employed nonviolent resistance as a weapon for civil rights. Upon his return to India in 1915, he used this potent tool to organize peasants, farmers, and urban laborers to protest against land-tax and discrimination. His greatest achievement was leading the Indian National Congress towards the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule using nonviolent resistance.
Awards and Recognitions
MK Gandhi was bestowed with the honorific title “Mahatma,” meaning “great-souled” or “venerable,” in 1914. While he never received any formal awards in his lifetime, his life and teachings have been globally recognized and celebrated. His birthday is commemorated worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence. He is revered as the “Father of the Nation” in India and lovingly called “Bapu,” signifying father or papa in Gujarati.
Age
Gandhi was born in 1869 and passed away on 30 January 1948. He dedicated his life to the cause of India’s freedom and the upliftment of its people until his assassination at the age of 78.
Parents’ Name and Family
Gandhi was the son of Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. His father was an important political figure who served as the dewan (chief minister) of Porbandar state, and his mother was a deeply religious woman from a Pranami Vaishnava Hindu family. Gandhi was the youngest of the four children in the family.
Net Worth of MK Gandhi
As a man who championed simple living and high thinking, Gandhi did not accumulate personal wealth. He did not leave behind a net worth, and his legacy lies not in material possessions but in his teachings and the indelible mark he left on the world with his principles of truth, nonviolence, and love.
FAQ
When did Mahatma Gandhi die?
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, in Delhi, India. He was shot by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, during a prayer meeting. Gandhi’s death was mourned worldwide, marking the loss of a leader who championed non-violence and civil rights.
What is the history of Mahatma Gandhi?
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. He studied law in London and later worked in South Africa, where he developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth and non-violence). Returning to India, Gandhi led various movements for India’s independence from British rule, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement. His unwavering commitment to non-violence and civil disobedience inspired global leaders and civil rights movements worldwide.
When and where was Mahatma Gandhi born?
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in the present-day state of Gujarat, India.
What was the name of Mahatma Gandhi's father?
Mahatma Gandhi’s father was Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi. He served as the Diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar.
What are some famous quotes by Mahatma Gandhi?
Mahatma Gandhi is renowned for his profound sayings. Here are a few notable quotes:
- “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
- “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
- “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
- “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”
- “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
What was Mahatma Gandhi's full name?
Mahatma Gandhi’s full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The honorific title “Mahatma,” meaning “great-souled,” was bestowed upon him in recognition of his profound impact and moral leadership.
What was the name of Mahatma Gandhi's wife?
Mahatma Gandhi was married to Kasturba Gandhi. They were married in 1883 when both were 13 years old. Kasturba was a steadfast supporter of Gandhi’s endeavors and played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence.
What was the name of Mahatma Gandhi's mother?
Mahatma Gandhi’s mother was Putlibai Gandhi. She was known for her devout religious practices and had a profound influence on Gandhi’s spiritual and moral development.
Who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi?
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, on January 30, 1948. Godse opposed Gandhi’s efforts toward Hindu-Muslim unity and his stance during the partition of India.
What was Mahatma Gandhi's religion?
Mahatma Gandhi was born into a Hindu family and practiced Vaishnavism, a tradition devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu. His mother, Putlibai, was a devout practitioner, and her religious devotion deeply influenced Gandhi’s spiritual outlook. Throughout his life, Gandhi was also influenced by other religions, including Jainism, Christianity, and Islam, advocating for interfaith harmony and understanding.
