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Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi was a proponent of non-violence and truth, earning him the title of a truth messenger. Coming from a well-to-do family, he was known by his full name, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Although he was a reserved and diligent student, he ventured to England for legal studies and later became a barrister upon his return to India, practising law in the Bombay High Court.
However, Gandhi’s true calling lay beyond the legal profession. During his time in South Africa, he allied with the locals and initiated the non-violent Satyagraha movement, aimed at challenging the oppression imposed by Europeans. Eventually, he returned to India and took a leading role in the struggle for India’s independence from British rule.
Deeply moved by the suffering of his fellow Indians, he launched the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement, advocating non-violent resistance against the British.
We have provided some essays on Mahatma Gandhi below that will be useful for speech delivery, essay writing, or speech-providing competitions. After reading these essays on Babu, you will get knowledge about his life and beliefs, his teachings, the role he played in the independence movement and why he is regarded as the most revered leader in the world.
Table of Contents
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Essay on Mahatma Gandhi (200 Words)
Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, struggled and gave up things he valued to free India from British oppression. All throughout his life, he was guided by nonviolent beliefs.
One of the greatest political figures in history, Mahatma Gandhi is revered and held in the highest regard in India as the “father of the nation.” His legacy will live on forever, inspiring future generations with his words and example.
Bapu struggled greatly and gave up a lot of his personal possessions in his quest to free India from British tyranny, but he never wavered from his nonviolent beliefs.
His legal career took him to South Africa, where he fought against racial injustice. He married Kasturba at the age of thirteen and continued his schooling in London.
Gandhi used nonviolence in a number of movements during India’s war for independence, including the Champaran and Kheda agitations, the Non-cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement. His influence was felt all around the world, motivating figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.
Gandhi made contributions to secularism, environmental sustainability, and social transformation. His legacy is firmly based on his nonviolence (Ahimsa) ideology. On January 30, 1948, he was murdered, yet his influence lives on, earning him the title of renowned “Father of the Nation and Bapu” in India’s history.
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Essay on Mahatma Gandhi (400 Words)
Mahatma Gandhi stands as one of the greatest political icons in history, with Indians holding him in the highest esteem and revering him as the “father of the nation.” His name and teachings will undoubtedly remain immortal, continuing to inspire generations to come.
Throughout his efforts, Mahatma Gandhi endured great hardship and made significant personal sacrifices in his mission to liberate India from British rule, all while steadfastly adhering to non-violent principles.
Let’s dive deeper into his life:
Birth and Childhood
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, which is now part of the state of Gujarat, India.
His father, Karamchand Gandhi, held the position of Chief Minister (diwan) in Porbandar during that period. Gandhi’s mother, Putlibai, was a deeply devout and charitable woman.
As a young boy, Gandhi embodied his mother’s qualities, inheriting her strong values, ethical principles, and spirit of self-sacrifice.
Marriage and Education
At the tender age of 13, Mohandas entered into marriage with Kasturba Makanji. In 1888, they welcomed a baby boy before he set sail for London to pursue further studies. In 1893, he ventured to South Africa to continue his law practice, where he encountered severe racial discrimination imposed by the British.
A significant incident that profoundly impacted the young Gandhi was when he was forcibly evicted from a first-class train compartment solely due to his race and skin colour.
Civil Rights Movement in Africa
Having endured discrimination and humiliation due to his race and colour, Gandhi made a resolute pledge to combat and confront racial discrimination against immigrants in South Africa. In 1894, he established the Natal Indian Congress and embarked on a relentless crusade against racial prejudice. Gandhi passionately advocated for the civil rights of immigrants in South Africa, devoting approximately two decades to this endeavour.
Legacy
Mahatma Gandhi’s influence has reached far and wide, touching the lives of numerous international leaders across the globe. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., James Bevel, and James Lawson found inspiration in his struggle and adopted his principles. Nelson Mandela, in his quest for freedom, was also deeply influenced by Gandhi’s teachings, while Lanza del Vasto even chose to reside in India to be close to him.
The impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy is evident in the recognition he received from the United Nations. They have honoured him by designating 2nd October as the “International Day of Nonviolence.” Additionally, many countries observe 30th January as the School Day of Nonviolence and Peace to commemorate his ideals.
Throughout his life, Mahatma Gandhi received numerous awards and accolades, making his contribution widely acknowledged. Almost every nation has bestowed honours upon him, with only a few exceptions.
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Essay on Mahatma Gandhi (600 Words)
Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, advocated for truth and non-violence, giving him the moniker “truth messenger.” He was referred to by his full name, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and he came from a wealthy family.
Let’s dive deep into the life of Mahatma Gandhi in this essay.
Role of Mahatma Gandhi in India’s Freedom Struggle
The significance of non-violence in India’s freedom struggle gained prominence with the involvement of Mahatma Gandhi. While there were parallel violent movements against British rule, the peaceful nature of non-violence made it a powerful way to demand complete independence.
Mahatma Gandhi utilized non-violence in every movement against the British government, and some of the most notable non-violent movements were as follows:
Champaran and Kheda Agitations
In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi organized a non-violent protest against the British-imposed indigo cultivation and fixed pricing, leading to the acceptance of farmers’ demands. Similarly, in 1918, he led peaceful protests against the British administration for tax relief during a famine in the Kheda region, resulting in the suspension of revenue collection.
Non-cooperation Movement
Sparked by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and harsh British policies in 1920, this movement promoted the boycott of British products and services. Indians withdrew from British-run institutions and civil services, significantly affecting British administration without resorting to violence.
Salt Satyagraha or Salt March
In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi led the famous 26-day non-violent march to Dandi, Gujarat, protesting the salt monopoly imposed by the British. Breaking the salt laws and promoting local salt production, the Salt March gained international attention and strengthened the foundation of Independent India.
Quit India Movement
Launched on August 8, 1942, the Quit India Movement demanded the British to leave India. Despite being in the midst of World War II, the non-violent civil disobedience movement intensified the pressure on the British government and paved the way for India’s eventual independence.
These non-violent movements, led by Mahatma Gandhi, wielded the power of truth and non-violence as their weapons against British rule. The effectiveness of non-violence garnered international attention and exposed the oppressive policies of the British government to the world.
Accomplishments
Mahatma Gandhi, a man on a mission, not only played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence but also made significant contributions to eradicate various social evils. His accomplishments can be summarized as follows:
Champion Against Racial Discrimination in South Africa
Witnessing the racial discrimination in South Africa deeply affected Mahatma Gandhi, motivating him to take a stand against it. He courageously challenged the law that denied voting rights to non-European individuals and became a prominent civil rights activist fighting for the rights of immigrants in South Africa.
The Icon of India’s Freedom Struggle
As a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi adopted a liberal approach, advocating peaceful and nonviolent protests against British rule. His leadership in movements like the Champaran Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement, Salt March, and Quit India Movement garnered global attention and shook the foundation of British rule in India.
Gandhi Ji dedicated himself to rooting out various social evils prevalent in society at that time. He initiated campaigns to ensure equal rights for the untouchables and uplift their status in society. Additionally, he championed women’s empowerment, promoted education, and vehemently opposed child marriage, leaving a lasting impact on Indian society.
Demise
After India gained independence in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi’s life came to a tragic end when he was assassinated by a Hindu activist named Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.
Throughout his life, he devoted himself to the service of the motherland, leaving a profound impact on the nation. His teachings and actions illuminated our path to true freedom from British rule.
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Simple Essay on Mahatma Gandhi
Here is a short and simple essay on Mahatma Gandhi for school students:
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FAQs
A. Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Gandhiji or Bapu, emerged as a prominent leader during India’s struggle for independence from British rule. He firmly advocated non-violence, civil disobedience, and passive resistance as effective means to achieve social and political transformation.
A. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a town located in present-day Gujarat, India.
A. His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
A. Gandhi played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, leading various non-violent movements and campaigns against British rule, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt Satyagraha, and Quit India Movement.
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