Learning Lessons 2- Mahatma Gandhi-(Father Of Nation)

 

MAHATMA GANDHI-(Father Of Nation) (1869-1948)

Quick Facts:

• In 1869, Mahatma Gandhi born into the Second highest caste (The Ruler-Warrior Caste) in Hindu society.
• Political and Ideological Leader of India during the Indian Independence Movement.
• Gandhi is called “Bapu” in India (Bapu means “Father”).
• Offically honored in India as “Father of Nation”.
• 2 October (Birthday of Gandhi) is the “International Day of Non-Violence”.
• Gandhi was a lifelong Vegetarian.
• In 1883, When he lied to his parents or stole from his brother he felt very guilty (Realization of Falsehood).

As a Youth (about 15-19 years-old):

• In May 1883, Mohandas(13) was Married to Kasturbai Makhanji(14) in an arranged child marriage.
• In 1885, the couple's First Child was born, but survived only a few days.
• Later Gandhi became a campaigner against Child Marriage.

As a Barrister:

• In 1888 at 19th birthday, Traveled to London to Study Law at University College London.
• In 1891, He was trained to be a Barrister at the Inner Temple in London.
• In 1891, Attempting to Establish a Career in Mumbai, India but Failed.
• In 1893, Failed to secure a part-time job as a high school teacher & returning to Rajkot He was forced to close his Business (“An Unsuccessful Attempt”).

Gandhi in South Africa: (1893- 1914)

• In 1893, Gandhi Faced Discrimination directed at Indians in South Africa.
• Thrown Off a train at Pietermaritzburg after refusing to move from the first class to a third class coach while holding a valid first class ticket.
• Beaten by a Driver for refusing to travel on the foot board to make room for a European passenger.
• Kicked out from several hotels.
• Ordered to Remove his turban.

• In 1895, He involved in protecting the rights of Indian Migrants.
• In 1906, By supporting the British government in Zulu War, yet Failed to Achieve Citizenship for Indians.
• Gets attacked by whites after landing in Durban.
• Experienced Racsim & get Jailed.
• Satyagraha(Struggle For Truth) got developed.
• These events were a Turning Point in his life, awakening him to social injustice and influencing his subsequent social activism.

Champaran and Kheda: (1917-1918)

• Gets arrested because of Disobedience against imposed British tax.
• Gets famous Names like Bapu(Father) and Mahatma(Great Soul) develop.

Salt Satyagraha (Salt March)-1930

• Salt March (12th March – 6th April) was 388 km Ahmedabad to Dandi (coast).
• Thousands of people join & Britains jail over 60000 people.

World War I & II

• 1918: Gandhi agreed to actively recruit Indians for the war effort.
• 1918: Poor farmers were forced to grow indigo.
• 1941: Gandhi declared British to Quit India.

Struggle for Independence:

• Gandhi launched the “Non-Cooperation Movement” as protest against the Jalliawala Bagh Massacre. 
• Gandhi launched the “Civil-Disobedience Movement” to break the salt law.
• Gandhi launched the “Quit India Movement” calling for an end to British rule in India.

Independence & Partitioning India into-(India & Pakistan):

• The Partition of Pakistan from India in 1947 broke Gandhi’s heart Gandhi believed that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians should all live together in India.
• When the moment of freedom came, on 15th August 1947, Gandhi was nowhere to be seen in the capital, though Nehru and the entire Constituent Assembly were to salute him as the architect of Indian independence, as the 'father of the nation.

Life Style:

Leadership Quality:

1. Fearlessness.
2. Open-Minded.
3. Proactive.
4. Gross-root level contact.
5. Continuous Learning.

Gandhian Philosophy:

1. TRUTH
2. NON-VIOLENCE
3. LOVE
4. FOREGIVENESS
5. EQUALITY OF RELIGION

Why Gandhi Became Greatest?

1. Didn’t Take Advantage From Nation
2. Fight For Humankind
3. Continuous Struggling For Peace
4. Great Soul Of Truthfulness

Learning from Mahatma Gandhi:

1. CHANGE YOURSELF FIRST

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

2. STRENGTH THROUGH PEACE

“There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no cause that I am prepared to kill for.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

3. PURSUE THE TRUTH

“Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.” -Mahatma Gandhi

4. WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS POSITIVELY

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” - Mahatma Gandhi