Mahatma Gandhi
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Gandhiji’s full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on 2nd October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. Gandhi’s father (Karamchand) was a politician. He was the Prime Minister of Porbandar, a small princely state in Western India. Gandhi played sports such as tennis and cricket when he was a teenager in 1883. When he lied to his parents or stole from his brother he felt very guilty! Gandhi had two brothers and one sister. He was the youngest child. His elder brother’s name was Laxmidas. In 1891 he studied law. Gandhi trained to be a barrister at the Inner Temple in London. In 1895 as a barrister Gandhi went to South Africa to practice law. He was retained by a firm of Muslim merchants, headed by Dada Abdullah Sheth. Gandhiji married Kasturbai in 1902 when they both aged 13. Later Gandhiji became a campaigner against child marriage. Gandhiji had all four sons. His first son was Harilal, he was born in 1888. His second son was Manilal, he was born in 1892. His third son was Ramdas, he was born in 1897. His fourth son was Devdas, he was born in 1900. In 1930 Gandhi picked up salt from the beach which was illegal for Indians. Even today foreign companies try to prevent Indians using their own natural resources, such as drugs companies which try to patent Indians medicinal plants. In 1940 Gandhiji had good relations with many Muslims. In 1893 Gandhiji was victim of racial discrimination in South Africa. On a complaint by a White passenger Gandhiji was thrown out from the first class compartment at Maritburz. This incident changed the course of his life. On his return to India from South Africa after 21 years, Gandhiji was addressed as “Mahatma”- The Great Soul. The inhuman destruction of village industries was corroding Gandhiji’s heart. He believed that their restoration alone would feed the hungry millions. Gandhiji pleaded for the uplift of the downtrodden untouchables and for restoring equality between man and man. The salt movement (Satyagraha) in 1930. Gandhiji broke the nefarious salt-law at Dandi. Gandhiji went to meet the king in London in 1931. In 1884-1885 Mohan nursed him and listened to discussions on different Faiths. Lokmanya Tilak was no more in 1920. All classes and communities of people participated in the funeral procession of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Bombay. Gandhiji said- “A giant among men has fallen. Gandhiji’s wife Kasturbai also was no more in 1944. Kasturba was 74- years old when she was no more. Kasturba died as a prisoner on Febuary,22. Thus ended their 62 years old Companionship. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was held in 1919. Gandhiji investigated into the atrocities committed by General Dyer on a peaceful gathering at Amritsar, killing 375 and injuring 1,000 and more unarmed, unwarned people. The Dandi March was held in 1930. On March 12, sixty one years old Gandhi started the Great march of liberty from Sabarmati Ashram with a strong resolve to break the inhuman salt-law. The Quit India movement was held in 1942. On the A.I.C.C passing the ‘Quit India ‘ Resolution on August 8, to end the British rule, Gandhi gave a dictum for the non- violent soldier of freedom, Do or Die’. On Gandhi’s detention, India’s national pride rose in revolt. Gandhiji was shooted by Nathuram Godse White. He was walking to a prayer meeting in New Delhi. His death shocked the world.
Last year I visited to Mani Bhavan to see Gandhiji’s story and to see all his things. I also took a picture in Mani Bhavan.
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