Mahatma Gandhi, the byname of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a political activist and one of the most important freedom fighters during British rule in India. There are numerous interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi for kids that will inspire and motivate them. Mahatma Gandhi believed in non-violence (ahimsa) and played a key role in achieving India’s independence through passive resistance. His non-violence movements give him the title “Mahatma,” which means extraordinary soul. Gandhi’s non-violent protests, modest life, and remarkable teachings inspired many people worldwide, including civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Read on to know some facts about the times of Mahatma Gandhi and the different stages of his life.
Where Was Mohandas Gandhi Born?
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a city now in the Indian state of Gujarat. He was born into a wealthy family. His father Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi worked as a ‘diwan’ or Chief Minister in the same state. His mother Putlibai was a homemaker.
Childhood And Family
Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Kaba Gandhi (1), and his wife Putlibai had four children. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, lovingly known as ‘Monia’, was the fourth child. As a young boy, Gandhi grew up learning the teaching of the two Indian religions – Hinduism and Jainism. An extremely shy boy, Gandhi often sought companionship in books and lessons. (2) At the age of 13, his parents arranged his marriage to a girl named Kasturba. They were married for around 60 years until Gandhi’s death in 1948. In school, Gandhi was an average student, and graduated in 1887. To fulfill his parent’s dream, he went to study law at the University College, London, England. After he returned to India in 1891, he started his independent practice but was not successful. Gandhi later joined an Indian law firm in South Africa.
Influence Of Religion On Gandhi’s Beliefs
Since childhood, Gandhi worshipped the Hindu God, Vishnu, and practiced the principles of Jainism. Jainism is known for its rigorous rules and traditions, such as fasting, strict vegetarianism, and meditation. Non-violence is one of the most important teachings of Jainism. Gandhi lived in London for about three to four years. He followed a vegetarian diet and even became a part of the London Vegetarian Society. During this period, he started reading different sacred texts and studied a great deal about all religions. Even after he moved to South Africa in 1893, he continued to study world religions.
Racial Discrimination In South Africa
In South Africa, which was under British rule back then, Gandhi faced and witnessed racial discrimination by Europeans. Once on a train voyage to Pretoria, Gandhi was asked to vacate his seat for a white man due to his dark-colored skin. When Gandhi refused, he was thrown out of the train and beaten up by white people. The incident had left a huge impact on him and served as a turning point in his life. He soon began developing the concept of ‘Satyagraha’ (truth and firmness). ‘Satyagraha’ was a method of passive resistance or non-cooperation. Despite the harsh punishment for the protestors, Gandhi managed to negotiate terms with the government regarding the recognition of Indian marriages and cancellation of toll taxes on Indians in South Africa.
Mahatma Gandhi And The Fight For India’s Independence
After living in South Africa for more than two decades, Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and continued his fight for Indian rights against the British Empire. He led several protests against the British and soon rose to prominence. By 1920, his philosophies and pursuit of independence became all too well known across the country. In one protest, he gave a call to boycott expensive British cloth and promote Indian goods. He himself spun cloth on the spinning wheel known as ‘charkha,’ urging citizens to wear only Indian clothes to support the Indian economy. Gandhi even took up to wearing only a loincloth and a shawl throughout his later life. Following Gandhi’s ideologies, his followers boycotted British goods and strongly supported Indian goods, also known as ‘swadeshi’ goods. Indian citizens even refused to step foot in British courts and schools. In 1930, Gandhi spearheaded the ‘Dandi March’ or ‘Salt Satyagraha’ against the salt tax levied by the British on Indians. The 24-day historic salt march saw Gandhi and his trusted followers walk over 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to collect their own salt and make it for free. By 1934, Gandhi had retired from active politics. However, engulfed in World War II, the British sought India’s aid in the war. Gandhi and other Indian political leaders demanded independence in return for their support. After arduous efforts by Gandhi and several other Indian leaders, India finally got independence on August 15, 1947.
About Mahatma Gandhi’s Death
Although loved and revered by most Indians, a group of individuals was opposed to Gandhi’s ideology. This opposition led to Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, in the garden of the former Birla House in Delhi during a prayer meeting. His funeral was attended by two million people.
