Gandhi attended the Inner Temple in London for studying law. Soon after Bapu completed his graduation from London, he went to South Africa for practicing law. After observing the miserable treatment which the Indian peasants were receiving in South Africa, Gandhi implemented nonviolent Civil Disobedience Movement against the African officials
in 1915, Gandhi returned to India & observed that the British government has imposed an excessive tax on Indian workers and began protesting against it. In 1921, Mohandas became the leader of the Indian National Congress & thereon he led multiple campaigns for attaining ‘Swaraj’
Throughout the protest against British rule in India, Gandhi’s major ideologies were Ahimsa and Satyavad (non-violence and truthfulness). In 1930, he led the 400-km long Dandi Salt March to end the salt tax. Later, he initiated the Quit India Movement for ending the British rule in 1942.
With his persistent efforts, Gandhi finally pushed the foreign rulers out of India. In the year 1947, the last viceroy of pre-independent India, Lord Mountbatten declared India as a sovereign nation and divided it into two independent countries: India and Pakistan. Since then, Gandhi’s birthday has been celebrated as a National Festival of India.
In independent India, Gandhi has been the biggest influence on our collective consciousness. And he will likely always be the biggest influencer that India has produced in the modern age
For every Indian, there is a unique Gandhi. Most admire his patriotism and nationalism, along with his fierce sense of duty towards the nation and fellow citizens. Many appreciate his simplicity and spirituality, as also his love and compassion. Many others like his espousal of Swadeshi.
Gandhi’s ideals of Truth, Non-Violence and Non-Cooperation in the face of an oppressor, and his devotion of a lifetime in service to the nation have been observed to unite Indians like no other personality.
His global imprint is so powerful that Albert Einstein famously said that “generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth”.
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence to honor Gandhi’s principles. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated throughout the country, from schools and colleges to government and non-government offices. The day typically begins with the singing of Gandhi’s favorite hymn, ‘Raghupati Raghava.’ Memorial services are organized, where people reflect on Mahatma’s teachings. Cultural activities, patriotic songs, dances, and speeches about Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are also common during the celebrations.
There are many life-changing ideas and experiences of Gandhi that I would like to talk about. However, if I were to pick one idea that Gandhi symbolizes very powerfully, it is: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is extremely relevant in the current context.
