“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
The man who is called the Father of our Nation, the man whose picture is imprinted on our currency, the man who was given the name ‘Mahatma’ for his greatness. His contributions to our freedom struggle were immense and are incomparable. His knowledge and ability to tackle problems are also beyond the understanding of a normal average individual.
Let’s shed some light on his life on the auspicious day of his birthday and talk about his extraordinary work and the journey of life.
- Background
Mahatma Gandhi’s full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born in Porbandar, Gujrat . He was born on 2nd October 1869, and to celebrate his birth we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. It is one of the three national holidays of our nation. He belonged to a Hindu merchant caste and studied law in London.
- His First non-violent civil disobedience movement was in South Africa.
- Why Gandhi was called ‘Mahatma’?
Mahatma Gandhi was given the name ‘Mahatma’ meaning ‘The Great Soul’ by Rabindranath Tagore and he referred to him as the same in letters he wrote to him. People loved Gandhiji and respected him immensely. People were also inspired by his kindness and simplicity towards life.
- What were Gandhi’s Last Words before his Assassination?
His last words were, “It irks me if I am late for prayers even by a minute.” The above phrase means, ‘ mujhe pareshani hoti hai agr mai dua maangne mei ek pal bhi der kar du toh.’ This clearly tells his conscience while dying.
- Why did Mahatma Gandhi Join Army if he was Against Violence?
Gandhiji enrolled in army during the Boer War and he was terrified by it and since the time he realized the dark terrors of the war.
- Mahatma Gandhi was left-handed and his name takes it all. He walked the country with a stick in his left hand and don’t forget he used to walk 18kms a day which is walking the world twice!
- Who was Gandhi’s Inspiration?
He was inspired by both books and people. Tolstoy was a friend of Gandhi’s and they corresponded really well. Gandhi was overwhelmed by Tolstoy’s book ‘The Kingdom of God is within you.’ This just one example of what inspired him. There were a lot more people like Raychandbhai and Gopal Krishna Gokhale were his teachers and he was thrilled by them as well.
We celebrate Gandhi Jayanti as to tribute the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi, on this day we offer prayer services at Rajghat. In every institute, college, school, and city this day has a different way of celebrating. This day is a dedication by the people of our country to the greatness of this man and how he freed us from the Britishers. As the saying by Gandhi says, “An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” Preach non-violence and understand the importance of being one and moving ahead together.