On October 2, 1869, Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. He was the South African head of the Indian independence movement. On January 30, 1948, he was killed in New Delhi, India. His birthday is observed as ‘Desh Diwas’ (National Day) throughout India.
He was the first non-European Prime Minister of independent India. He was the only person to serve as Prime Minister of both the British territory of India and the Dominion of Pakistan.
Many publications have been written about his life, notably his autobiography, “My Experiments With Truth.” He talked about his experiences in South Africa, as well as his ideas on Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions, in this book.
He has also written some beautiful Patriotic Poems in Hindi, that lives in peoples heart till today.
He is also known as the “Father of the Nation” and “The Great Soul.” He was a brilliant man who worked for people’s betterment.
Movements Led By Mahatama Gandhi For India’s Independence
1. Champaran Movement
Gandhi’s first major engagement in the Indian liberation fight was during the Champaran revolt in Bihar. When Gandhi returned to India in 1915, the nation was in shambles due to tyrannical British rule. The British pushed farmers to produce indigo and other cash crops on their rich land, which they then sold to them at a far lower price. The farmers’ predicament worsened as a result of terrible weather conditions and the imposition of high levies, forcing them into abject poverty. After learning about the farmers’ plight in Champaran, Gandhi paid a visit to the district in April 1917.
He took the civil disobedience tactic and staged rallies and strikes against the landowners, bringing them to their knees. As a consequence, they struck an agreement in which they gave the farmers autonomy and compensation while cancelling the income and collection rises. Gandhi was given the title Mahatma after the success of this effort.
The slogan “Karo Ya Maro” given by Mahatam Gandhi got famous during this movement.
Apart from this Gandhi ji and several freedom fighters gave slogans during their struggle of making India a Independent country, you can read them here Slogans on Independence Day in Hindi.
2. Non-Cooperation Movement
The only cause for the start of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. It rocked Gandhi to his core, making him understand that the British were able to maintain control over Indians because of their collaboration. This is when he decided to start a Non-Cooperation Movement. With the help of the Congress and his unbreakable will, he was able to persuade people that nonviolent non-cooperation is the route to achieving independence. Following that, Gandhi developed the notion of Swaraj, which has since been a central component of the Indian liberation struggle.
The movement gained traction, and people began boycotting British-run facilities including as schools, colleges, government offices, and even courts; instead, panchayats were created to handle conflicts. However, Gandhi quickly put a halt to this movement following the Chauri Chaura tragedy, in which 23 police officers were slain.
3. Satyagraha for Salt
Mahatma Gandhi initiated Salt Satyagraha against the British Raj’s monopoly. Salt Satyagraha was the most significant of Mahatma Gandhi’s initiatives. Let us remind you that Mahatma Gandhi established the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on March 12, 1930. A 24-day march was undertaken to Dandi village.
4. Quit India Campaign
In August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement against the British, which drove the British to leave India. Along with this, the Do or Die civil disobedience campaign was launched, laying the groundwork for the country’s independence.
5. Satyagraha of Kheda
Despite crop failures, farmers’ urgent cries for tax relief in Kheda, Gujarat, fell on deaf ears. Gandhi’s advice to them was to withhold tax and oppose such vindictiveness and oppression gently but fiercely.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, another emerging hero of the independence movement, also played an important part in the 1918 conflict. The municipal administration ultimately reached an agreement that was agreeable to both groups. The Champaran and Kheda campaigns were restricted to specific districts, but they inspired Gandhi to start massive pan-Indian initiatives in the future.
Conclusion
Weapons, according to Mahatma Gandhi, are not the only solution to any situation; in fact, they cause more problems than they solve. It is an instrument for spreading hatred, fear, and rage. Nonviolence is one of the finest ways to battle far more powerful opponents without using a single weapon.
Apart from the independence movement, there are numerous modern-day examples that demonstrate the value of nonviolence and how it has aided in bringing about changes in society, all without spilling a single drop of blood. I hope that the day does not come too soon when there will be no violence and all conflicts and disputes would be resolved via peaceful conversations without injuring anybody or pouring blood, since this would be ideal.
I hope the day does not come too soon when there will be no violence and all conflicts and disputes would be resolved peacefully without injuring anybody or pouring blood, since this would be the greatest homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
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