By Jogender Gagrai 
Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi is a timeless symbol of peace and nonviolence. He is celebrated globally for his unwavering commitment to justice and moral leadership. Gandhi is revered as the “Father of the Nation” in India. He played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from British rule. His philosophy transcends borders and generations, inspiring individuals to lead with compassion, understanding, and a firm belief in nonviolent resistance. In today’s turbulent world, Gandhi’s teachings continue to offer profound guidance for fostering harmony and resolving conflicts.
Mahatma Gandhi, a name synonymous with peace and nonviolence, stands as one of the most influential figures in modern history. Mahatma Gandhi was known for his unwavering commitment to truth. His philosophy and actions have left an indelible mark on the world. In this article, we examine the life, principles, and enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. We explore how his teachings continue to inspire generations across the globe.
Early Life and Education
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India. Gandhi grew up in a devout Hindu family. From an early age, he imbibed the values of tolerance, nonviolence, and devotion to duty. His journey to becoming Mahatma, or “Great Soul,” started with his education in law in London. He then practiced law in South Africa.
London life of Mahatma Gandhi
Introduction to Mahatma Gandhi’s London Years
In 1888, a young Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi traveled to London to study law at University College London (UCL). Gandhi enrolled at the Inns of Court School of Law in Inner Temple. He intended to become a barrister. This period marked a transformative phase in his life, shaping his ideologies and character. Gandhi’s London years were not just about academic pursuits but also about self-discovery and moral development.
Gandhi’s Role in the London Vegetarian Society
During his time in London, Mahatma Gandhi joined the London Vegetarian Society (LVS). This group was dedicated to promoting vegetarianism and ethical living. His active involvement led to his election to the executive committee of the society. At the time, the society’s president was Dr. Oldfield, a well-known advocate for vegetarianism and ethical living.
Later, the presidency of the society was taken over by Mr. Arnold Hills, the proprietor of the Thames Iron Works. Hills was a deeply puritanical man. He believed strongly in moral discipline and strict adherence to principles. These beliefs often influenced the direction of the society. Mahatma Gandhi and Hills shared a cordial and productive relationship. Their views occasionally diverged. This divergence was evident in their disagreement over the membership of Thomas Allinson, a fellow committee member with controversial views.
Gandhi was naturally shy and uncomfortable with confrontation. Despite this, he defended Allinson’s right to remain a member. This action demonstrated his early commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the courage to challenge authority. This episode became one of the earliest recorded instances of Gandhi standing firmly for his beliefs.
Cultural Adaptation and Self-Discipline
Mahatma Gandhi’s London years showcased his efforts to adapt to British culture. At the same time, he stayed true to his Indian roots. He experimented with Western clothing and etiquette but soon realized the importance of maintaining his cultural and ethical values. His practice of vegetarianism became a defining aspect of his identity. His role in the LVS inspired him, along with his interactions with prominent figures like Hills and other vegetarian advocates.
The Lasting Impact of London
Gandhi’s time in London profoundly shaped his worldview. He was exposed to diverse philosophies. This exposure included those of Henry Salt and other vegetarian thinkers. It helped him embrace the interconnectedness of ethical living, social justice, and nonviolence. These early influences became the foundation for his later activism in South Africa and India.
The South African Experience
Gandhi’s 21-year stay in South Africa was a transformative period that shaped his ideology and activism. Faced with rampant discrimination and injustice, he began advocating for the rights of the Indian community. It was here that he developed and refined the concept of Satyagraha, a nonviolent resistance against oppression. His campaigns against discriminatory laws laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in India.
The Indian Independence Movement
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi quickly became a central figure in the struggle for independence from British rule. His leadership was marked by several landmark campaigns:
Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
The Champaran Satyagraha marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first major involvement in India’s struggle for independence. It began in the Champaran district of Bihar. British landlords forced poor farmers to grow indigo on a portion of their land. They did so under the oppressive Tinkathia system. Despite declining global demand for indigo, farmers were obligated to sell their produce at unfairly low prices.Gandhi visited Champaran to investigate the farmers’ grievances, defying British orders to leave the district. His resolve and peaceful protests garnered widespread attention and support, ultimately leading to an inquiry into the exploitation. The British authorities were forced to abolish the Tinkathia system, granting relief to thousands of farmers. This Satyagraha demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance and established Gandhi as a champion of the oppressed.
Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
Following Champaran, Gandhi led the Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat. Farmers there were struggling to pay taxes because of a severe crop failure. Despite widespread hardship, the British government refused to waive land taxes, threatening confiscation of property for nonpayment.Gandhi, along with local leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, organized peaceful protests and encouraged farmers to withhold taxes. The movement gained momentum as the farmers stood united in defiance of British authority. Eventually, the government relented and suspended tax collection for the affected areas. This movement not only brought relief to the farmers. It also reinforced Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Collective action served as a powerful tool for justice.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
The Non-Cooperation Movement marked the first large-scale national campaign led by Gandhi to challenge British rule. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the betrayal of the Khilafat Movement sparked this movement. Gandhi urged Indians to withdraw from British institutions. These included schools, courts, and administrative services.This movement united Indians across religious, regional, and social boundaries. People boycotted British goods, adopted Swadeshi (use of local products), and resigned from government jobs. While the movement demonstrated India’s collective strength, it came to an abrupt end in 1922. The end followed the Chauri Chaura incident when violence erupted. This violence resulted in the death of police officers.
The Non-Cooperation Movement ended prematurely. However, it was a crucial step in mobilizing mass participation. It set the stage for future independence struggles.
Dandi March (1930)
The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, was one of Gandhi’s most iconic acts of civil disobedience. The British held a monopoly on salt production. They imposed high taxes. In response, Gandhi embarked on a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi.On April 6, 1930, Gandhi symbolically broke the salt laws by producing salt from seawater. This act of defiance inspired millions across India to join the Civil Disobedience Movement. They openly violated colonial laws by making salt, boycotted British goods. They refused to pay taxes. The Salt March became a global symbol of resistance. It drew international attention to India’s struggle for freedom. It cemented Gandhi’s reputation as a leader of nonviolent revolution.
Quit India Movement (1942)
The Quit India Movement began during World War II. Gandhi issued a resolute demand for complete independence from British rule. On August 8, 1942, the All India Congress Committee passed the “Quit India” resolution. They demanded that the British leave India immediately. Gandhi’s rallying cry, “Do or Die,” galvanized the nation. Mass protests erupted across the country. Strikes and acts of defiance also occurred. This happened despite the immediate arrest of Gandhi and other Congress leaders. The movement faced brutal repression, with thousands of protesters killed, imprisoned, or injured. Although the movement was suppressed, it demonstrated the Indian people’s determination. It made it clear to the British that their rule was unsustainable. The Quit India Movement is regarded as a turning point that hastened the end of British rule in India.
Key Principles of Gandhi’s Philosophy
- Ahimsa (Nonviolence): Gandhi firmly believed that nonviolence was the most powerful weapon for oppressed people. Ahimsa, the principle of not causing harm to any living being, became the cornerstone of his philosophy.
- Satyagraha (Truth Force): This principle advocates for passive resistance and civil disobedience as tools for social and political change. Gandhi’s Satyagraha campaigns were instrumental in challenging unjust laws and practices.
- Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment): Gandhi envisioned a society where the welfare of all was paramount. He championed social reforms, including the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society, particularly the untouchables, whom he called Harijans or “children of God.”
- Simplicity and Self-reliance: Gandhi’s personal lifestyle was a testament to his belief in simple living and high thinking. He promoted the use of indigenous goods and self-sufficiency as a means to attain true independence.
Gandhi’s Global Influence
Gandhi’s impact transcends the boundaries of India. His methods and teachings have inspired numerous civil rights movements around the world. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez drew from Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance to fight for justice and equality in their respective contexts.
Legacy and Relevance Today
Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy endures in the 21st century as a beacon of hope and a guide for peaceful activism. His principles of nonviolence and truth remain relevant in addressing contemporary issues such as racial injustice, environmental sustainability, and global conflicts. The United Nations’ International Day of Non-Violence, observed on October 2nd, is a testament to his enduring influence.
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide. His unwavering commitment to nonviolence, truth, and justice serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the potential for peaceful change. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, Gandhi’s philosophy offers timeless wisdom and a pathway to a more just and harmonious society.