156th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi Jayanti: The Unique Journey of Truth and Non-Violence

• Gandhi Jayanti is not just a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
• It commemorates the remarkable journey of truth, non-violence, and moral courage that led India to independence. His experiences in South Africa taught him the importance of non-violent resistance, which later inspired millions during India’s freedom struggle.

Mahatma Gandhi: Father of the Nation and Pioneer of Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi was not only a leader of India’s independence movement but also a guide in the path of truth and non-violence. His life demonstrates that simplicity, determination, and moral strength can lay the foundation for profound socio-political change.

Early Life

• Birth: 2 October 1869, Porbandar, Gujarat.
• Parents: Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai.
• In childhood, teachings from Vaishnavism and Jainism instilled in him values of truth, non-violence, tolerance, and renunciation.
• Stories of Shravan and Harishchandra laid the foundation of his honesty and moral firmness.

First Struggle in South Africa: Fighting Against Injustice

• Facing Racial Discrimination: In 1893, Gandhi went to South Africa, where he faced severe racial discrimination.
• Famous Incident: Despite holding a valid ticket, he was thrown out of a first-class railway compartment.
  • This humiliation ignited within him the flame of Satyagraha and non-violence.

Struggle and Contributions

• 1894: Began non-violent resistance against racial discrimination.
• 1899: Formed the Indian Ambulance Corps during the Boer War.
• Established Phoenix and Tolstoy Farms — training centers for Satyagraha.
• 1906: Led the first Satyagraha movement in Transvaal.
• Conducted several marches, faced repeated imprisonment, and attracted global attention.
• South Africa became a laboratory for Gandhi’s experiments with Satyagraha and non-violence.

Return to India and Entry into Politics

In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and traveled extensively to understand social and political issues.

• Deep connection with the poor, farmers, and laborers.
• Gained widespread respect and trust among the people.

Major Movements in India

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• The first successful movement against the exploitation of farmers in Bihar.
• Protection of farmers’ rights in indigo plantations.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

• Struggle against economic hardships of farmers in Gujarat.
• Focused on tax relief and crop issues.

Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)

• Efforts to unite Hindus and Muslims.
• Boycott of British goods, schools, and titles.
• Movement suspended after the Chauri-Chaura violence.

Presidency of Congress:

• Gandhi presided over the Belgaum session of the Indian National Congress (1924).
• Notably, this was the only Congress session presided over by Gandhi himself.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

• Historic Dandi March and violation of the salt laws.
• Nationwide wave of peaceful protest.

Round Table Conference and Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

• Participated in the Second Round Table Conference in London.
• The pact brought temporary political relief and release of prisoners.

Quit India Movement (1942)

• Call for “Do or Die.”
• Arrest of leaders and nationwide protests.

Assassination and Immortal Legacy

• 30 January 1948: Assassinated by Nathuram Godse.
• His death was an irreparable loss to the nation and the world.
• His teachings continue to inspire leaders worldwide, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
• Samadhi: Raj Ghat, New Delhi.