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Who was Gandhi? |
by Alli Rodenhauser (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian political and spiritual leader. Born in India on October 2, 1869, Gandhi left the country at a young age to attend school and get his degree in London, before moving to South Africa (then under British rule) in 1893 to practice law. In South Africa, Gandhi was shocked to be confronted with racism and status as a second-class citizen, and immediately set to working on improving the Indian populations' status.
One of the most important things Gandhi was known for was his non-violent form of protesting. Calling this method "Satyagraha," Gandhi believed that a person should stand up against laws he or she felt was unfair, but should also be willing to accept the consequences for doing so — he and his followers were made fun of, beaten, and even sent to jail when people did not like what he was trying to say.
Gandhi returned to India, which was also under British rule, in 1916, and continued to preach and practice Satyagraha. One of the most famous events to do so was the "Salt March" in 1930, during which Gandhi and his followers marched throughout India to protest a British tax on salt.
In 1947, after years of talks and demonstrations, England finally agreed to grant India independence, something many believe that Gandhi's words and actions had a direct influence on. His form of passive resistance had inspired generations of leaders and thinkers, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who both turned to his ideas and writings during their respective civil rights movements.
When India gained its independence in 1947, one of the agreements for doing so was that it would be divided into two countries: India, which would remain a Hindu country, and Pakistan, which would be Muslim. Gandhi was disappointed with this solution, since he had intended for India to remain one large, multi-faith country, and spent much time talking with Muslim and Hindu leaders trying to find a compromise. It was on January 30, 1948, while on his nightly walk, Gandhi was approached by a Hindu nationalist, who did not like Gandhi's sympathy towards Muslims, and shot.
India immediately went into a state of mourning, and politicians from around the world stepped forward to offer sympathy. since the loss of such an inspiring man no matter what their beliefs, was a great one.
Did you know?
Gandhi's given name was actually Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. "Mahatma" means "Great Soul" and was a term of respect given to him by his followers.
One of the most important things Gandhi was known for was his non-violent form of protesting. Calling this method "Satyagraha," Gandhi believed that a person should stand up against laws he or she felt was unfair, but should also be willing to accept the consequences for doing so — he and his followers were made fun of, beaten, and even sent to jail when people did not like what he was trying to say.
Gandhi returned to India, which was also under British rule, in 1916, and continued to preach and practice Satyagraha. One of the most famous events to do so was the "Salt March" in 1930, during which Gandhi and his followers marched throughout India to protest a British tax on salt.
In 1947, after years of talks and demonstrations, England finally agreed to grant India independence, something many believe that Gandhi's words and actions had a direct influence on. His form of passive resistance had inspired generations of leaders and thinkers, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who both turned to his ideas and writings during their respective civil rights movements.
When India gained its independence in 1947, one of the agreements for doing so was that it would be divided into two countries: India, which would remain a Hindu country, and Pakistan, which would be Muslim. Gandhi was disappointed with this solution, since he had intended for India to remain one large, multi-faith country, and spent much time talking with Muslim and Hindu leaders trying to find a compromise. It was on January 30, 1948, while on his nightly walk, Gandhi was approached by a Hindu nationalist, who did not like Gandhi's sympathy towards Muslims, and shot.
India immediately went into a state of mourning, and politicians from around the world stepped forward to offer sympathy. since the loss of such an inspiring man no matter what their beliefs, was a great one.
Did you know?
Gandhi's given name was actually Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. "Mahatma" means "Great Soul" and was a term of respect given to him by his followers.
