Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is fondly known by many names like Mahatma Gandhi, Bapu, Father of the Nation is one of the greatest contributors, who struggled for the Independence of our Nation. He was the leader of the Indian Independence Movement, during British rule in India. He strongly believed in the non violence and unity of the people. He has also worked hard for removing untouchability from our Indian society and struggled in upbringing the backward classes. He united all the people and brought together everyone to participate in national movements.
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He started his schooling in a local school in Rajkot and later joined High school, in the same locality. Even though, he was an average student, who was shy and had no interest in games, he has won some prizes during his school days. In the year 1883, when he was 13 years old, he was married to Kasturbai Makhanji Kapadia. In the year 1887, he completed his high school graduation in Ahmedabad. In 1988, he enrolled in the Samaldas College, Bhavnagar State. Later, he went to London and studied law, with an intention to become a barrister. He returned to India in the year 1915, after he has spent his time in South Africa.
Journey towards Indian Independence:
In the year 1915, with the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, he came to India with the reputation as the Leading Indian Nationalist. He was introduced to Indian issues by Gokhale and became the member of Indian Congress. In the year 1920, he took leadership of Indian Congress and starting from January 26, 1930 Congress declared the Independence of India. During these times, he started many mass movements like civil disobedience, non-co-operation, Satyagraha etc. He was known to be one of the simplest man, who worked in removing the colour and caste barrier.
In the year 1931, the government led by Lord Irwin decided to negotiate with Gandhi and agreed to free all the political prisoners. In the year 1942, Gandhi opposed to the Indian participation World War II, however his opposition was not welcomed by many Indian leaders. Later, as the war progressed, he intensified his demand for Independence and started Quit India movement. In the year 1944, many new parties emerged like Muslim League. Even though, Gandhi insisted on religiously united India, where Muslims and non-muslims can live happily on harmony. However, many other Muslim leaders where against it.
Independence and Partition of India:
The partition of India was highly controversial during those times and many people were killed during this partition. Many Hindus, Sikhs migrated from Pakistan to India and Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan. However, Gandhi declared India to be a democratic country, where people from all the religion can live happily. However, this was not welcome by many people. Following this, India was granted Independence on August 15, 1947.
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Hindu Extremist Nathuram Godse, who fired 3 bullets towards Gandhi, who was on the way to his prayer in Birla House. Following this, he and his collaborates were arrested.