On October 2nd, 2021, India celebrated the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a notable figure in India’s struggle for independence. It also marked the day to pay tribute to another eminent personality, Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Gandhi’s Early Life
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2nd, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. His multifaceted persona comprised being a lawyer, a politician, a social activist, and a writer.
Gandhi and Satyagraha
Gandhi spent 22 years in South Africa, from 1893 to 1915, where he developed “Satyagraha,” a unique method of mass agitation that challenged the racist regime. This approach highlighted the power of truth and non-violence. The International Day of Non-Violence is observed each year on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
Gandhi Peace Prize
In honor of Gandhi’s principles, the Gandhi Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations who have contributed to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods.
Gandhi’s Return to India and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Gandhi returned to India on January 9th, 1915. To commemorate this day and the contributions of the Overseas Indian community to India’s development, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated each year on January 9th.
Satyagraha Movements in India
Upon his return to India, Gandhi believed in the unifying power of non-violence. In the late 1910s, he embarked on a series of Satyagraha movements across the country, addressing various social and political issues, including oppressive plantation systems, plague epidemics, unjust taxation, and unfavorable labor conditions.
Rowlatt Act and Jallianwalla Bagh Incident
In 1919, Gandhi launched a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act. The act granted extraordinary powers to the government to suppress political activities and allowed detention without trial for two years. This movement culminated in the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In response to the spread of violence, Gandhi called off the movement.
Non-Cooperation Movement
Later in 1920, Gandhi initiated the Non-Cooperation Movement supporting Khilafat and Swaraj. He subsequently withdrew the movement following the Chauri-Chaura incident in 1922.
The Salt March
In 1930, in defiance of the salt law, Gandhi led a march from his ashram in Sabarmati to Dandi, a coastal town in Gujarat. Here, they gathered natural salt and produced salt by boiling seawater.
Civil Disobedience Movement
The Salt March marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Despite a temporary truce with the then British Viceroy, Lord Irwin, in 1931 (the Gandhi-Irwin Pact), the movement continued until it lost momentum in 1934.
Quit India Movement
As World War II broke out in 1939, Gandhi led what is now known as the Quit India Movement in 1942, demanding immediate British withdrawal from India.
Social Work and Advocacy for Harijans
Gandhi also actively worked for the upliftment of untouchables, whom he referred to as ‘Harijans,’ meaning the children of God. This advocacy led to the famous Poona Pact with B.R. Ambedkar in 1932. The spinning wheel, a symbol of self-reliance, became popular during this time.
Role in Hindu-Muslim Harmony and Hindustani Prachar Sabha
Gandhi played a significant role in maintaining Hindu-Muslim unity during the tumultuous period preceding the partition of India. He founded the Hindustani Prachar Sabha in 1942 in Wardha, Maharashtra, to promote a linking language between Hindi and Urdu.
Gandhi’s Death
On January 30th, 1948, Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. In homage to all freedom fighters, India observes this day as Martyrs’ Day each year.
