Mahatma Gandhi is perhaps one of the most popular and influential personalities of modern time. A respected leader among masses who are struggling for basic human rights, Gandhi is well known for his non-violent resistance to the British rule in India. With his non-violent methods, he created a strong awareness among masses that they have nothing to loose if they peacefully participate in an agitation. In his book, “militant democracy” Mahatma Gandhi provided a powerful explanation as to why peaceful struggle is the only path to freedom.
Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Gandhi, was born in Porbandar- a place in Gujarat, i state of India. Early in his childhood, Gandhi came into contact with civil disobedience and later involvement with the Indian independence movement. After the cessation of British rule, Gandhi went on a hunger strike to demand the cessation of torture being meted out to ordinary Indians by the British. In a famous speech, he said, “The British government is telling us that they are ready to talk but if we talk about hunger strike, then it is terrorism. If we talk about freedom, then it is civil disobedience.”
The renowned leader was a key figure in the struggle for national liberation in India. He was also an inspiration for the non-violent civil disobedience movement that was integral to the independence movement in India. Mahatma Gandhi is considered to be the father of non-violent resistance in India. Some other legendary personalities of Indian independence include: Subhas Chandra Bose, Rajkthan CM Jai Singh, Babu Baji, and Kamala Nehru.
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most important of the non-violent freedom fighters. His teachings on non-violence to power have inspired millions of people. It is believed that he inspired the African anti-apartheid resistance movement. Some of his quotes are as follows: “You can’t kill me, or kill the British,” “We must remain alert to any sign of British sympathy or interest”,” Lanka was before India”, “Zionism is not anti-colonialism”, “Zionism is not racism”, “I am not a racist”.
Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy lives on in the form of innumerable organizations like the Mahatma Gandhi National Student Union (MNSA), the Gandhi Sangharsh waishigi movement, the Indian Student Union (ISU) and the Student Islamic Organization (SIO). The main aim of these organizations is to fight against discrimination and violence against minorities in India and abroad. They also seek education for all children at lower levels and to improve conditions for the economically and mentally weaker sections of society. Mahatma Gandhi always maintained that the path of non-violence leads to terrorism. Therefore, his philosophy of non-violence is essentially anti-apartheid.
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence has also inspired world leaders including the late Dr., Martin Luther King Jr. and even the president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton. There are innumerable instances where Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence guided not only the Indians but the whole world. One such example is the struggle for civil rights in India during the time of Emergency. Mahatma Gandhi is said to have inspired the likes of MLK, Nelson Mandela and more recently the president of South Africa, Mandela.
Today, many young Indians are opting for the path of non-violent non-cooperation. This can be seen from the increasing number of advertisements on television and radio in India, for various social and charitable organizations. In addition, many young Indians are also taking up various part-time jobs in order to support themselves and their families back home while pursuing a degree or an education in an overseas university.
The famous Indian civil disobedience leader Mahatma Gandhi was quoted as saying, “A man’s greatest strength is his freedom from fear… Fear hamper all efforts… Nothing great can be achieved without struggle… Every true believer has a past.” The famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi lives on in the hearts of millions of Indians every day, as well as in those of billions of people the world over. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “A nation can remain strong if it is prepared to give a hand to others; it can only be strong through voluntary service”.