Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of India's independence movement who championed nonviolent resistance against British rule. Through peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and his philosophy of truth and nonviolence (Satyagraha), he inspired millions to fight for justice. His efforts led to India's independence in 1947, and his principles influenced civil rights movements worldwide. Despite his dedication to peace, he was assassinated in 1948, but his legacy continues to inspire movements for freedom and human rights.
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world."

Mahatma Gandhi: A Detailed Overview
Early Life and Upbringing
Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was the youngest child of Karamchand Gandhi, a chief minister in the small princely state of Porbandar, and Putlibai Gandhi, a deeply religious woman. His family belonged to the Hindu Modh Baniya community. From an early age, Gandhi was influenced by his mother’s ascetic lifestyle and religious devotion. He was married at the age of 13 to Kasturba Gandhi, as per Indian customs of the time.
Gandhi was an average student but displayed strong moral character. In 1888, he traveled to London to study law at University College London, where he was exposed to Western ideas of justice, equality, and the writings of various philosophers. While in London, he became deeply interested in religious studies, particularly Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. He returned to India in 1891 as a qualified lawyer but struggled to establish a legal practice.
Life Events and Activism
Time in South Africa (1893-1914)
In 1893, Gandhi accepted a one-year contract with an Indian firm in South Africa, which would ultimately shape his philosophy and activism. Upon experiencing racial discrimination firsthand—most notably being thrown off a train for refusing to move from the first-class compartment despite having a valid ticket—Gandhi began advocating for the civil rights of the Indian community in South Africa.
During his time in South Africa, he developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth and nonviolent resistance), which became a cornerstone of his later work. He led protests against unjust laws, including the infamous Asiatic Registration Act, and founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to fight for Indian rights.
Return to India and the Fight for Independence (1915-1947)
​Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and soon became a leader in the Indian nationalist movement. He joined the Indian National Congress and advocated for nonviolent resistance against British rule. His major movements included:

• Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha (1917-1918) – Gandhi led protests against oppressive taxation and successfully negotiated relief for farmers.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) – Encouraged Indians to boycott British goods, services, and institutions, leading to mass civil disobedience.
• Salt March (1930) – A 240-mile march to protest the British salt monopoly, symbolizing India's resistance to colonial rule.
• Quit India Movement (1942) – A nationwide call for immediate independence, leading to his arrest and imprisonment by the British.

After years of struggle, India gained independence on August 15, 1947. However, Gandhi was deeply saddened by the partition of India and Pakistan, which led to communal violence. On January 30, 1948, he was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist opposed to his tolerance towards Muslims.
Philosophical and Religious Beliefs
Gandhi was deeply influenced by Hinduism, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, but he was also open to learning from other faiths, including Christianity and Islam. His core beliefs included:

• Satyagraha (Truth and Nonviolence) – The principle of nonviolent resistance against oppression.
• Ahimsa (Nonviolence) – Avoiding harm in thought, word, and action.
• Sarvodaya (Welfare of All) – Working for the upliftment of the poorest sections of society.
• Swadeshi (Self-Reliance) – Encouraging local industry and boycotting foreign goods.
• Religious Tolerance – He believed that all religions ultimately lead to the same truth.

Books and Publications

1. Hind Swaraj (1909) – A critique of Western civilization and advocacy for self-rule in India.
2. An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth (1927) – Gandhi’s personal reflections on his life, beliefs, and struggles.
3. Constructive Programme: Its Meaning and Place (1941) – Outlined his vision for a free and self-sufficient India.
4. Key to Health (1948) – Focused on natural healing, diet, and personal well-being.
5. The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (1958, posthumous) – A compilation of his letters, speeches, and articles.

Ten Most Important Quotes

1. "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." – 1913, South African Address
2. "An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind." – 1925, Young India Journal
3. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – 1929, Speech in Lahore
4. "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." – 1931, Round Table Conference
5. "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." – 1933, Harijan Journal
6. "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." – 1936, Public Speech in Bombay
7. "You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no result." – 1942, Quit India Movement Speech
8. "The best politics is right action." – 1946, Interview on Governance
9. "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people." – 1947, Independence Address
10. "The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems." – 1948, Final Speech in Delhi

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire movements for civil rights, justice, and nonviolent resistance worldwide. His life, built on principles of truth and nonviolence, demonstrated that peaceful methods could bring about profound social and political change. Despite his tragic assassination, his teachings remain relevant, encouraging humanity to pursue justice through compassion, tolerance, and moral courage.

Mahatma Gandhi is widely attributed to have made the statement, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” However, there is no definitive primary source directly linking this exact quote to a specific publication or speech by Gandhi himself. It is believed to have originated from a conversation or informal remark he made during his interactions with Christian missionaries in India, reflecting his admiration for Jesus Christ’s teachings—particularly the Sermon on the Mount—while critiquing the behavior of some Christians he encountered, whom he felt did not embody those ideals. The quote is often cited in secondary sources and discussions about Gandhi’s views on religion, notably in E. Stanley Jones’s book The Christ of the Indian Road (1925), where Jones, a missionary who met Gandhi, paraphrases a similar sentiment expressed by him. While not verbatim from Gandhi’s own writings, it aligns with his well-documented perspective on the disconnect between religious principles and their practice, as seen in his broader commentary in Young India and Harijan.

Here are ten popular YouTube videos on Mahatma Gandhi:

Mahatma Gandhi, snatching a few happy & relaxed moments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65pb--jXHeY

Mohandas Gandhi, the Power of Nonviolence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nAUxQ8X3GQ

Know About Mahatma Gandhi #Mahatma_Gandhi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy9J-qSNtxg

How Gandhi Changed The World | Akshaj Vyas | TEDxQESchool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaL2shpleO0

Pilgrim of Peace; documentary film, colour and b/w, 1997: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0EcBYwnuWE

Mahatma - Life of Gandhi (part1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmsIL9571QU

Great Leaders in History - Mahatma Gandhi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Ff5hzT5rQ

The life story of Mahatma Gandhi | Father of Nation | India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnFV5y1tG8k

The Rise of Mahatma Gandhi (Documentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7oYKMVUyXo

Mahatma Gandhi Greatest Life Quotes You Should Know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX3UJ0p4bIQ

Here are five prominent websites dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi:

1. Mahatma Gandhi One Spot Complete Information Website
   Organization: Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal and Gandhi Research Foundation
   URL: https://www.mkgandhi.org/
   Description: This comprehensive site offers extensive information on Gandhi's life, work, and philosophy, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, activists, and students.​
   
2. Gandhi Heritage Portal
   Organization: Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust
   URL: https://www.gandhiheritageportal.org/
   Description: The portal provides access to a vast collection of documents, photographs, and writings related to Gandhi, aiming to preserve and promote his legacy.
   
3. GandhiServe Foundation
   Organization: GandhiServe Foundation
   URL: https://www.gandhiserve.org/
   Description: This foundation offers resources including photographs, films, and publications about Gandhi, focusing on disseminating knowledge about his life and principles.​
   
4. The Gandhi Foundation
   Organization: The Gandhi Foundation
   URL: https://gandhifoundation.org/
   Description: Established in 1983, the foundation works to spread knowledge and understanding of Gandhi's life and work, emphasizing the relevance of his teachings in contemporary times.​
   
5. Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti
   Organization: Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti
   URL: https://gandhismriti.gov.in/
   Description: This site is dedicated to Gandhi's memory, offering insights into his life and promoting his ideals through various programs and exhibitions.
   

These websites provide a wealth of information on Mahatma Gandhi, his philosophy, and his enduring impact on the world.​

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