October 2, 2022 marks the 154th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. One of India’s three national holidays, it celebrates the life of this greatest of all Indians, who employed non-violent resistance to lead India to freedom from British rule.
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He studied law for three years in London, after which he spent his early years as an advocate in South Africa. During this time he became aware of the stark inequalities prevalent in South African society, prompting him to protest against the government’s treatment of natives and Indians. He did this by organizing nonviolent resistance.
When he returned to British-controlled India in January 1915, Gandhiji had acquired the skills both of an accomplished lawyer and a community organizer dedicated to peaceful protest. Between March 12 and April 6, 1930 he led the Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, as a nonviolent protest against the British salt tax in India.
On August 9, 1942 Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, which demanded the end of British rule in India. This movement played a crucial role in uniting India against the British. Gandhiji was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30 January 1948.
Picture Credit : Google
