By: Ayaan Saroori
When reflecting on our historical past, particularly the era of colonial rule in India, one figure stands out as a national hero—Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Known across generations, from children to the elderly, Gandhi’s name is synonymous with his unique ideology and the pivotal role he played in India’s struggle for independence.
Born on October 2, 1869, in the coastal town of Porbandar in Gujarat, Gandhi embarked on a path that would eventually change the course of history. In 1888, he travelled to London to pursue his legal education at University College London.After completing his degree, Gandhi returned to India in 1891, intending to build a legal career. However, in 1893,he accepted a one-year contract as a legal advisor in South Africa—a decision that extended into a 21-year stay.
During his time in South Africa,Gandhi encountered harsh racial discrimination,which deeply influenced his thinking.It was there that he conceived the idea of Satyagraha, the philosophy of nonviolent resistance.In 1906,Gandhi launched his first major Satyagraha campaign,marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of peaceful activism.
How Gandhi saved India from Colonial rule?
We can easily understand this topic as there are various unforgettable sacrifice which a part of our history.Dandi March a foot walk from Gandhi Ji’s Ashram in Ahmedabad to Dandi was a mark of courage and true leadership is their as Gandhi has started for Dandi with seventy-eight followers but he was was greeted by thousands of his other followers during foot walk towards Dandi.This is the smallest example of Gandhi Ji’s following and engagement with people and this whole sacrifice has been started with one objective that was to provide and make people of India nominee of salt as it was ours.
Gandhi’s bonfire was also a movement against the British and colonizers. This bonfire began during the Swadeshi movement, leading to the boycott of British goods. Gandhi, supported by a large crowd, symbolically burned non-Indian clothes. During this event, gathered people collected shirts, trousers, and caps to fuel the bonfire of foreign goods. Furthermore, he urged people not to attend British schools or courts. His ultimate aim was for the people to govern themselves without British interference.These actions exemplify how the British Empire faced challenges in India, largely due to Mahatma Gandhi and his profound philosophy of peaceful protest.
Why ‘Mahatma’ and who bestowed this title.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a central figure in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. While “Mahatma” is a title that signifies “Great Soul” in Sanskrit, it was bestowed upon him by the renowned poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1915. This title reflects the deep respect and admiration that many held for Gandhi due to his profound moral and ethical principles.
Despite the honour associated with the title, Gandhi himself was somewhat uncomfortable with it. He preferred to be addressed as “Bapu,” which means “Father” in Hindi. Gandhi was a person of exceptional integrity, characterised by a clear-hearted approach, straightforwardness in his ideology, and unwavering truthfulness. He was known for his commitment to honesty, never making false promises to his followers, and maintaining a consistent and principled stance in his dealings with the British authorities. This unwavering dedication to truth earned him the respect of millions and positioned him as a moral leader in the fight for justice.
One of the most notable aspects of Gandhi’s philosophy was his rejection of violence as a means of achieving political objectives. Instead of resorting to weapons or oppressive tactics, he advocated for Satyagraha, a concept that emphasises non-violent resistance and peaceful protest against injustice. This approach was revolutionary at the time and set him apart from many contemporary leaders who relied on force.
Gandhi’s strategy involved mobilising the masses through peaceful means, such as the promotion of swadeshi—using locally made products—and organising protests that highlighted the injustices faced by Indians under British rule.
Through his silent yet powerful actions, Gandhi inspired a national awakening and demonstrated that non-violence could effectively challenge even the mightiest of oppressors. His legacy endures today, not only in India but across the world, as a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the pursuit of truth.
In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a transformative figure in the fight against British colonial rule in India. His life and philosophy inspired a generation to embrace non-violence as a means of resistance. Through initiatives like the Dandi March and his symbolic bonfire of foreign goods, he galvanized the Indian populace to unite against oppression. Gandhi’s ability to mobilise millions through his principles of Satyagraha showcased the effectiveness of peaceful protest in achieving social and political change. Although he was uncomfortable with the title “Mahatma,” the respect it conveyed reflected his deep moral integrity and unwavering commitment to truth. Today, Gandhi’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of non-violent activism, not just in India but globally, influencing countless movements for justice and equality. His teachings continue to resonate, encouraging individuals to strive for justice through peaceful means, embodying the enduring spirit of resistance against tyranny.
The writer is a student. ayaansaroori8@gmail.com