MAHATMA GANDHI – Father of Nation

Mahatma Gandhi - Father of Nation

Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Other Names: Mahatama Gandhi, Bapu, Father of Nation

Born: October 2, 1869

Birth Place: Porbandar, Gujarat, India

Mother's Name: Putlibai Gandhi

Father's Name: Karamchand Gandhi

Spouse Name: Kasturba Gandhi

Children: Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, Devdas

Education: UCL (University College London)

Profession: Lawyer

Awards: Times Person Of The Year

Died: January 30, 1948

Cause of death: Assassination by Nathuram Godse

Resting Place: Rajghat, New Delhi

Known for: Gaining Independence for the Indian People

Philosophy: Truth, Non violence, Self Sacrifice

A Short Biography

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a skillful leader who was very committed to gaining freedom for the people of India. He was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India; but he was assassinated on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Godse, in New Delhi, India. His parents were Putlibai Gandhi and Karamchand Gandhi. He was married to Kasturba Gandhi, and had 4 kids. His kids were Harilal Gandhi, Manilal Gandhi, Ramdas Gandhi, and Devdas Gandhi. Gandhi studied law at University College London, in Great Britain.

At a young age Gandhi tried meat, smoked, and he sometimes stole things. Later in life, he regretted those things. When Gandhi was 18 years old, he left India to study and become a barrister lawyer, and went to London. Soon after a few years of studying law, he returned to India. Sadly, he did not find a job so in 1893 he moved to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa where he found a job as a lawyer.

In South Africa, Gandhi was fighting for Indians to be free. In a period of 20 years he used the Satyagraha method and led them to success. The Satyagraha method is to have nonviolent resistance to evil. He was jailed in 1922 for 2 years, as he was included in protests with people who became very violent. Soon he returned to India. Another time Gandhi was jailed is after he conducted the Salt March of 1930.Then in 1946 he worked with the Cabinet Mission and then led India to independence on August 15, 1947. Then Gandhi started to work in the Hindu-Muslim conflict and got assassinated on January 30,1948.

Mahatma Gandhi was a very spiritual and determined leader. He won, "The Time's Person of the Year" award and he gained the name "Mahatma" which means Spiritual Leader. Gandhi remains to peacefully rest in Rajghat, New Delhi. Gandhi was known for his philosophy of, Truth, Non violence, Self Sacrifice.

Key Events

1869 October 2 – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar in Gujrat, India.

1920 – Gandhi got people to boycott British products and heencourages people to start making their own clothes rather than buying British clothing.

1930 – The British retaliate by passing the Salt Act which makes it illegal for Indians to make their own salt, which is punishable by at least three years in jail.

1930 March - Gandhi (61 years old) travels 320 km (200 miles) on foot for about 24 days to the city of Dandi to make his own salt. Other protesters/supporters follow him. Gandhi is again imprisoned.

1942 – Gandhi launches the Quit India campaign declaring India’s independence from British rule. Gandhi is imprisoned again.

1943 – The 73 year old Gandhi starts a hunger strike that lasts for 21 days.

1944 – Fearful that Gandhi would die in prison due to failing health and become a martyr, he and other leaders are released.

1947 August 15– India becomes an independent Country.

1948 January 30 – Mahatma Gandhi is killed by a member of a Hindu organization who was angered by Gandhi’s peacemaking efforts. Gandhi was shot as he was on his way to evening prayers.