BIOGRAPHY

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948) popularly

known as ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ or better still as ‘Father of the Nation’ was one of the
most charismatic leaders who fought for the freedom of the country with ahimsa
(non-violence) and satyagraha (way of truth) as his only weapons.

Gandhiji influenced both nationalist and internationalist movements and brought the
cause of India's independence from British colonial rule to world attention. Gandhiji's
principle of satyagraha (from Sanskrit satya: truth, and graha: grasp/hold), has also
inspired other democratic activists, including Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lennon
and the 14th Dalai Lama.

The title of ‘Mahatma’ (Sanskrit term of reverence ‘mahatman’ meaning ‘one of great
soul’) was accorded on Gandhiji in 1915 by his admirer Rabindranath Tagore (the
first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature). It was given in response to Gandhiji
conferring the title of "Gurudev" (great teacher) upon Tagore.

Service in hour of need

During the Boer war and the Zulu rebellion he helped the British Raj at the hour of its need, by
raising Indian Ambulance and Stretcher-barer Corps which served close to the line of fire. Gandhi
was awarded medals for this service.

Salt Satyagraha

1929-30: "The Year of Grace". Gandhi was gathering his forces for onslaught on the citadel of
authority. The "salt Satyagraha" was not merely a protest against taxing the poor man’s diet, or a
disobedience of the salt lows. In Gandhi’s eyes it was a "battle or rights against might". While the
world wondered, the "Dandi March" became the "First shot" in this unique fight.

Kamala Nehru Hospital

Gandhiji had considered multiplication of hospitals as an evil symptom of modern civilization. But
the diseases had to be helped. And so, he gladly laid the foundation stone of a hospital at
Allahabad in memory of Kamala, Nehru's beloved wife.

Honoured by all
In Madras Natesan described Gandhi as the embodiment of godliness and the wisdom of the
saint Kasturba as the incarnation of wifely virtue. In may 1915, Gandhi settled down at Kochrab,
near Ahmedabad, where he founded the Satyagraha ashram. Honours came to him-the Kaiser-I-
Hind and other medals for his ambulance services in war.
Non-cooperation is Born
The Indian National Congress at Calcutta approved of non-cooperation: boycott of law-courts,
government educational institutions and foreign goods. Gandhi saw it as the only alternative to
violence for redress of the Khilafats and the Punjab wrongs. The founding of Gujarat Vidyapith in
November 1920 was a symbol of the national re-awakening.

[Edit]
What is the life history of Sardar
 Vallab Bhai Patel?
In: India History

[Edit]

Answer
Patel, Sardar Vallab bhai (1875-1950) - Patel was also known as ‘Iron man’ of India .
After qualifying as a lawyer, he started his practice in Ahmedabad. He met Gandhi in
1916 and was instantly overwhelmed by his honesty and sincerity. Gandhi made him his
lieutenant in 1981 during Ahmedabad labour strike. He took leading part in Nagpur Flag
Satyagraha in 1923 and Bardoli movement in 1928. It was at Bardoli that Gandhi
conferred on him the title of ‘Sardar’ upon him. In 1931 he was elected President of
Indian national Congress. From 1935-1940 he was Chairman of the Parliamentary Sub-
Committee of Indian National Congress. He took active part in Individual Satyagraha in
1941 and Quit India Movement in 1942. He was imprisoned in Ahmednagar Fort. He
served as Home Minister in Interim Government in 1946. He became Deputy Prime
Minister of Independent India.