Introduction:
Mahatma gandhi essay, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who became Mahatma Gandhi on October
2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was a pivotal role in the Indian independence
movement. Acknowledged for his peaceful resistance ideology, he is frequently
called the "Father of the Nation" in India. Gandhi's life and ideas
had a significant influence on the global movement for freedom and civil rights
as well as the Indian subcontinent. The purpose of this essay is to present a
thorough overview of the life, nonviolent philosophy, contribution to India's
freedom movement, and enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi Essay in English
Early Life and Education:
Gandhi was from a deeply religious Hindu family. Putlibai was a
devout woman, and her father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the chief minister of
Porbandar. Inspired by the Jain concept of truth and nonviolence, Gandhi's
early years were characterised by moral principles and simplicity. At thirteen,
he wed Kasturba Makhanji in accordance with the then-dominant norms.
Gandhi completed his official schooling in Porbandar before moving
to London, England, to pursue his legal studies. He was exposed to a variety of
cultures and ideas while living in London, which caused his outlook on life to
change. Gandhi's interest in religious writings, particularly the Bible and the
Bhagavad Gita, began while he was living in London and would subsequently
influence his way of thinking about life.
South Africa and the Emergence of Satyagraha:
After going to law school in South Africa, Gandhi started his
advocacy there. His enthusiasm for social transformation was sparked by the
racial injustice and discrimination he experienced while residing in South
Africa. He established the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 with the goal of
promoting Indian rights in South Africa. During this time, Gandhi introduced
the idea of satyagraha, a peaceful protest movement grounded in moral power and
truth.
Gandhi had an opportunity to test the effectiveness of satyagraha
during the Boer War (1899–1902). He pushed Native Americans to support the
British war effort by organising a volunteer ambulance corps and by abstaining
from violence. His conviction that nonviolence can effect social and political
transformation was strengthened by this encounter.
Return to India and Champaran Satyagraha:
Gandhi's standing as an advocate for civil rights had preceded him
when he returned to India in 1915. Admired as a leader who would lead India to
independence, he received warm receptions. In 1917, he led the Champaran
Satyagraha, one of his first and most notable operations in India. Gandhi led a
peaceful demonstration against the British government's repressive laws
regarding the growth of indigo, which were imposed on farmers.
Gandhi's involvement in the nonviolent Indian liberation movement
began with this. He was able to mobilise the masses against repressive regimes
through the use of satyagraha, and his method was well received.
Non-Cooperation Movement:
Gandhi was immensely concerned by the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh
massacre, in which British troops murdered hundreds of defenceless Indians, and
this further strengthened his resolve to see India become an independent
nation. In 1920, in reaction, he started the Non-Cooperation Movement, which
called on Indians to decline all forms of collaboration with British
authorities. Banned British products, companies, and titles were among them.
Large national support for the movement was garnered, and it
showed that peaceful opposition could be used to overthrow colonial authority.
After the Chauri Chaura episode in 1922, when protesters turned violent and
abandoned Gandhi's nonviolent stance, it was, nevertheless, briefly put on
hold.
Salt March and Civil Disobedience:
The 1930 Salt March is regarded as one of the most significant
events in Gandhi's fight for Indian independence. Gandhi led a 240-mile march
to the Arabian Sea in protest of the British salt monopoly, where he and his
supporters produced their own salt by evaporating seawater. The globe was
captivated by the Salt March, which stood for peacefully opposing unfair laws.
After that, the Civil Disobedience Movement prodded Native
Americans to violate the salt regulations and take part in other nonviolent
forms of protest. Gandhi was among the thousands of people detained; he was
incarcerated multiple times during his lifetime. The campaign compelled the
British to hold talks and added to the increasing momentum for India's
independence.
Round Table Conferences and Quit India Movement:
Gandhi sought constitutional changes that would give India greater
sovereignty during the 1930s Round Table Conferences in London. But with the
summits producing little tangible outcome, Gandhi stepped up his campaign for
total independence.
An important turning point in India's fight for independence was
the 1942 commencement of the Quit India Movement. There was a great deal of
civil disobedience in response to Gandhi's demand that the British leave India
right away. Although the movement encountered fierce opposition from the
British government and was met with widespread arrests, it was instrumental in
accelerating the end of British colonial rule in India.
Role in Partition and Post-Independence Period:
Intercommunal animosity between Muslims and Hindus intensified as
India got closer to independence. Gandhi strongly favoured Hindu-Muslim unity
and was against the idea of division. But in the end, in 1947, the leaders of
the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress decided to split the country
into Pakistan and India.
Gandhi was extremely saddened by the bloodshed and large-scale
migrations that precipitated division. He decided to fast and wouldn't eat
until there was an end to communal violence. Leaders were forced to strive
towards restoring peace as a result of his efforts and the awful realities of
the situation. Gandhi, however, remained forever disillusioned with his dream
of a unified India, and his disapproval of the post-independence political
landscape grew.
Assassination and Legacy:
Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who disapproved of Gandhi's
alleged attempts to pacify Muslims, killed Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948.
The world was shocked to learn of Gandhi's passing, and his legacy lives on as
a representation of moral leadership and peaceful opposition.
Global movements for justice and civil rights have been profoundly
impacted by Gandhi's ahimsa, or nonviolent, ideology. Prominent individuals
such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. found inspiration in Gandhi's
ideas while fighting against racial injustice. In observance of Gandhi's
birthday, October 2, the UN General Assembly proclaimed it as the International
Day of Non-Violence.
Conclusion:
Mahatma Gandhi's life served as an example of
how moral bravery and nonviolence may transform. His uncompromising dedication
to justice, equality, and the truth inspired millions of people and was crucial
to India's independence movement. Gandhi's lessons are still relevant today,
inspiring people all around the world to work towards a future that is more
equitable and peaceful. We are reminded that moral integrity and nonviolence
are ageless values that are essential for conquering today's obstacles when we
consider his life and legacy.
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