The Mahatma Gandhi’s journey and legacy
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also considered the father of the Nation or Mahatma, is well-known around the universe for his kindness and ethical beliefs. One of the most significant figures of the 19th and 20th centuries was Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, his nonviolent methods influenced movements for civil rights all over the world. He is widely regarded during the Indian Independence movement. Let’s look at a few fascinating facts about the Mahatma as the world commemorates his 153rd birthday.
Early Years
- Gandhi, then 19 years old travelled to London in 1888 to enroll in the Inner Temple’s law programme, He adopted a vegan lifestyle and decided to join the London Vegetarian Society council. Gandhi also began reading about and researching various world faiths at this time.
- Gandhi returned to Bombay in 1891 to resume his legal career. He landed a position at a legal firm shortly after his come back and was transferred to South Africa. Gandhi ended up spending 20 years of service in South Africa with his wife and kids.
- Gandhi was born in Victoria times. The British Empire during this period was at its peak. India, the country Gandhi was born in, was one of the nations they largely controlled. According to Gandhi, the empire was a peculiar fusion of business avarice and an effort to be missionaries. India was regarded as the imperial jewel in the crown of Queen Victoria. The British referred to this colonial rule as Raj. They began their first colonization of India. It was more prevalent than ever in the latter part.
- Gandhi encountered prejudice when he immigrated to Africa from Europe. He was assaulted and ejected from a first-class train car for refusing to give his seat to a European traveller. For Gandhi, this incident marked a pivotal moment.
- Gandhi was a quiet youngster. He would avoid playing sports, and he had difficulty in the classroom. Gandhi particularly struggled with Mathematics.
In India, religion is significant, and it can be argued that Mahatma Gandhi’s methodology to the individual liberty was influenced by his religion. Gandhi watched her mother, who was deeply involved in religion. Gandhi practiced Vaishnavism, a morally strict Indian religious ideology whose central features are peaceful resistance and the idea the idea that everything in the human world is eternal. Vaishnavism is centered on the devotion of the Hindu god Vishnu and has a strong influence.
The youth can try to adopt some of his traits on his birth anniversary:
- Satyamev Jayate, which means “Truth always wins,”
For Gandhi, the most essential thing was to be honest. In addition to preaching the truth, he also lived it. Gandhi once told his parents a false story while he was youthful and deeply regretted it. He felt bad about suppressing the truth.
His father later recognized his guts to speak the reality when he issued an apology and actually admitted it. Going to follow Gandhi’s simple advice will make a significant difference in how people view and cure you. Gandhi conducted numerous experiments with truth throughout his life and career and observed how it aided and saved him in trying circumstances.
- Eye for an eye will turn everyone blind
The idea has touched many people all over the world and is still the driving principle behind non-violence today. We now experience rage attacks and other weaknesses. It is the root of many societal issues like harassment, abusive behavior, and road rage that lead to various crimes and years of disappointment. We fail to understand that anger and resentment can never be productive. Their effects have always been detrimental.
- Being forgiving is noble
The powerful possess forgiveness, not just the mild. Gandhi always advocated forgiving those who wrong others or use harsh language.
- Consume simple foods in the proper amounts
Gandhi was a strong supporter of restraint and basic nutrition. He conducted food experiments to determine whether eating in moderation would provide him with sufficient energy. Many of the issues that young people face today are linked to poor eating habits, eating irregular hours, or eating fatty foods. A quick but filling breakfast would be a good way to start your day.
- The world needs change, so lead by example
Unless you practice what you proclaim, you can never make someone else follow you precepts. Gandhi rose to the challenge and embodied the transformation he wished to see in the world. He was never mad, kept his cool, and was frequently the first to offer forgiveness. He was truthful and used non-violence as a tool. People sat up and listened to him as they knew he practiced what he proselytized.
- More powerful than the body is the mind
Children must understand that while physical stamina is vital, mental toughness is essential. Gandhi was vulnerable, but his intellect was stronger. He overcame many challenges thanks to his mental toughness, which finally led to India’s independence.
His mental fortitude caused the British to submit and depart from India. The mind must be extraordinarily strong.
The final years of Gandhi
India became Independent from Britain in his final years. A left-leaning Labor Party won the British election over Churchill. Labor was committed to advancing Indian Independence.
The three years following the death of his wife were disastrous. Along with losing his wife, he witnessed the division of his nation into India and Pakistan. Gandhi opposed the partition. He desired harmony. He believed that in addition to violent behavior and forced mass relocation, the split would cause. Gandhi had a point. Across the newly established territorial boundaries, Muslims and Hindus killed one another in appalling numbers. For certain religion reasons, people were forced to emigrate across the border in pursuit of safety. Many thousands, if not millions, of people perished. Gandhi believed that his lessons of nonviolence and cooperation with others had not been applied in India.
Despite his efforts, the violence continued. He kept fasting repeatedly until he passed away. He once went through a fast before the Hindu and Muslim leaders agreed to maintain harmony. After recuperating, he intended to perform the same task for Punjab. That was not to be, though. A Hindu patriot by the name of Nathuram Vinayak Godse stormed into Gandhi’s yard on Friday, January 30, 1948. Mahatma offered this invader a Hindu benediction rather than acting out of anger or aggression. However, the man then shot Gandhi four times after pulling a gun from his bag. Gandhi’s hands were folded in a harmonious manner as smoke grew around him. Hei Ra….ma was his last utterance. Gandhi was assassinated because the assassin thought Gandhi had been excessively tolerant of Muslims during the division of India. Godse had wished that Gandhi’s passing would trigger an all-out war among India and Pakistan, destroying the Muslim state. Conversely, it resulted in unity as both Hindus and Muslims merged in memorializing the deceased Mahatma. The entire rest of the world was in mourning, as evidenced by the lowering of flags to half-staff and the deepest sympathies sent to India by monarchs, cardinals, and presidential candidates.
Final thoughts
Some people appear to believe that kindness is merely passive reactions rather than a motivating factor for action.
They overlook the fact that Gandhi combined it with accountability. He took part actively rather than just watching. He preached after first having followed. In all respects, he was a true leader. He never had an urge for power or fortune but was always in the side when there was a risk to life. His life’s motto was selfless act. He knew that while avarice is unending, get an end, so he lived a simple life based predicted on his necessities.
“Strength is a mental quality, not a physical one. It originates from an unbreakable will.”
