Mahatma Gandhi biography
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most controversial and dynamic figures of the twentieth century political scenario in India and the world. In any study of Gandhi the most striking element is the intricate mix of simplicity and complexity. His broad positions on issues were often enough easy to follow but the details were often subject to controversy.
As this controversial biography of Gandhi by Joseph Lelyveld highlights it is debatable as to what proportion of his teachings were actually followed by his followers. If we consider the cataclysm of Partition and emergence of the dominions of India and Pakistan we might be tempted to conclude that Gandhi's ideas were a failure even during his lifetime. This event more than anything else and the ramifications of which South Asia is still living with seem to nullify his teachings of satyagraha and non-violence. Thus we must conclude that the centrality of Mahatma Gandhi in molding the Indian republic should not be exaggerated. At the same time no other Indian leader of the anti-colonial movement of the time succeeded in fusing the Indian masses into a coherent whole as Mahatma Gandhi did.
Joseph Lelyveld has criticized Gandhi for deserting the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa at a critical juncture. However this ignores the fact that Gandhi's central preoccupation was with India and Indian issues even when based abroad. Similarly for Gandhi everything was interlinked ranging from his stress on celibacy to his underlining the value of non-violence. A shortcoming of Lelyveld's biography of Gandhi is that this aspect is not highlighted with sufficient emphasis.
Similarly it is easy enough to underestimate Mahatma Gandhi and become engrossed by digressions such as his relationship with Hermann Kallenbach or his backing by big business or to assume that it cost a great deal to keep Gandhi in poverty as some others have observed.
Nevertheless all these aspects ignore the centrality of the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in fighting injustice and oppression by an alien power on his motherland. In this regard Mahatma Gandhi was more than just a "naked fakir" as Winston Churchill once described him but one whose life and teachings have importance for people of all civilizations across historical time boundaries. Therein lies the true greatness of Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings.
Whatever our ideological persuasions might be there is no denying the greatness of what Mahatma Gandhi stood for and his unparalleled contribution in bringing down an oppressive and unjust regime run by an alien despotism that had arrogated to itself the right to determine what was best for India and Indians while simultaneously establishing a ruthless regime of exploitation and coercion on the Indian subcontinent. For this at the very least we have to be eternally grateful to Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi ji history
If greatness were measured by report cards or school performance, then Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi would never been more than "mediocre", the term he used to describe his academic record. When Gandhi misspelled the word "kettle," his teacher called him stupid because he was the only student who couldn't spell that word. Throughout his school career, Gandhi never achieved high rating, in fact all of his rating are below average. When the time came to go to college, he barely passed the matriculation exam for Samaldas College at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
Greatness, however, cannot be measure by something as mundane as a spelling test or a report card. There's more to life than merely getting good grades in school. After graduating from law school, Gandhi began fighting for civil rights in South Africa before moving back to his native homeland in India. There, he fought to free India from British control - not with his fists but with civil disobedience.
At first, those in power dismissed Gandhi's efforts. Winston Churchill dismissed him as a "seditious Middle Temple Lawyer, now posing as a fakir." Men with guns failed to understand a man who said, "There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for." His opponents learned, however, that Gandhi did not need to use violence; he had courage and spirit that could not be crushed. Although he was imprisoned many times during his life, he refused to give up. Now that's true spirit. Gandhi's efforts eventually helped bring independence to India.
This mediocre student rose to be labelled by another term: mahatma, which means "great soul." For all of his life, Gandhi used nonviolent means to help those oppressed. His example and teachings have inspired civil rights leaders and freedom movements in the united states, South Africa, and across the world. Although Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1947, he was never given the award. In 1948, Gandhi was considered for the prize a fifth time. However, he was assassinated two days before the nominations closed. The Nobel Committee considered awarding him the prize posthumously that year, but the prize had always been awarded to a living person. Instead, the committee decided to make no award in 1948, because "there was no suitable living candidate." To keep it simply, the award was meant to be given to Mahatma Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi's leadership lessons
Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." What one thing do you want to change in your life, that will improve it?
In the 1930s a mother and her young son walked for many hours in the hot sun and waited in a long line to "have an audience with Mahatma Gandhi".
She had tried many times to stop her son from eating sweets. Nothing she said stopped him from eating the sweets. So, she decided to take him to see his hero, Mahatma Gandhi.
When it was their turn to finally speak to Mahatma Gandhi. The mother said, "Mahatma, please tell my son he must stop eating sweets. It is ruining his health, his teeth, and affects his mood every time he eats sweets. There is nothing I can do to stop him from eating more and more sweets. I'm afraid it will ruin his life. Please, Mahatma, tell him to stop."
Gandhi listened patiently to the mother looking at the young child, as he cowered by his mother's side. Gandhi said, "Come back to me in two weeks' time."
The mother was disappointed and confused that Gandhi had not asked her son to just "stop eating sweets". She and her son walked the long journey home.
Two weeks later, the mother and young son walked in the hot sun many miles to once again stand in line to wait their turn to speak to Mahatma Gandhi. When it was their turn, the mother said, "We have returned. We came to see you two weeks ago to help my boy to stop eating sweets, and you asked us to come back after two weeks."
Gandhi said, "I remember." Motioning for the boy to come forward. He said, "Come here, child."
The child urged by his mother, moved away from her and moved slowly towards Gandhi. Gandhi reached over and "put his hands on the boy's shoulders", pulling him closer and looking the child squarely in the eyes said, "Don't eat sweets.".
The mother said, "That's it? That's all you're going to say? Why didn't you tell him that two weeks ago?"
Gandhi replied, "Because two weeks ago I was still eating sweets myself. I could not ask him to stop eating sweets so long as I had not stopped either."
As a leader Gandhi had to change his bad habit to a good one so he could lead by example and model the right behavior for the child. Gandhi was a man of honor and character.
Mahatma Gandhi and mantra of peace and love.
Until today, the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi still lives on to us. His name represents peace and non-violence to battle oppression and injustices. A century ago, he launched his 'satyagraha' or the 'pursuit of truth' campaign of non-violent way of protesting against Apartheid in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi is also regarded as one of the most famous heroes all over the world and pivotal figures that shaped India's history up to its independence in 1947. He devout the remaining years of his life to work diligently to both overthrow the British rule in India as well as to better the lives of India's poorest classes. Gandhi is known for his obvious virtue, simplistic lifestyle, and minimal dress that appealed him to the people.
Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbander in western India in 1869 to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. His father was a local politician who served as prime minister to a number of local Indian princes. After the death of his father, he travelled to England in order to study law. During that time, he was involved with the Vegetarian society and was once asked to translate the Hindu Bhagavad Gita which is an epic Hindu literature. The said literature awakened Gandhi a sense of pride in the Indian scriptures. Around that time, he also studied the Bible and was struck with its emphasis on humility and forgiveness. Although he was critical of aspects of both Christianity and Hinduism, he remained committed to the Bible and Bhagavad Gita throughout his life.
Gandhi's major political goal was to rid India of British rule with non-violet protests. One way of achieving it is to encourage the Indians to boycott the British goods and buy the Indian goods instead. As a result, it help improved the local economies in India while undermining the British economy in their country. Gandhi's way is through passive resistance. He believed that acts of violence against the British will only result to a negative reaction. With passive resistance, he believed that it will incite the British to do something which invariably compel more people to support the Indian National Congress movement.
Because of his protest against the British, Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922, 1930, 1933, and in 1942. While in prison, he went on hunger strike and became famous such that his death would catch international attention. If he would die in prison, it would greatly embarrass the British at a time when they were condemning dictators in Europe.
Motivational life quotes of MahatmaGandhi that can change your life
Mahatma Gandhi - This name doesn't need any introduction. He is known as the father of the nation. He is history's most inspirational person ever. It was because of his hard work and dedication that we are able to get freedom from imperial British rule. He was the man of principles, humbleness and truth. Simple Living, High Thinking was motto of his life.
Although, this great legend is not with us anymore, his quotes and sayings still help mankind on the path of success and achievement. His Quotes are true words of wisdom. They are deep and full of meaningful thoughts that shake deep inside of the heart.
Here are three best motivational quotes about life of this great legend which will provoke your heart, Motivate you to take action and help you become a successful person in your life.
Mahatma Gandhi Quote # 1: "Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love."
Usually, we tend to hate our opponents and do everything we can do to demean them. We never ever think of loving them. This quote tells that we should conquer all of our opponents with love. This quote cites the power of love. But it is not child's play to show love to your opponents. It takes lots of guts and courage to do so.
Mahatma Gandhi Quotes # 2: "Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning."
This quote cites the power of thoughts and beliefs in one's mind. Thoughts and beliefs are, indeed, powerful. Today whoever we are, wherever we are and whatever we have achieved so far in our personal and professional life is all because of thoughts and beliefs that we have about ourselves. What we think we become. We are the product of our thoughts. Our thoughts and beliefs color our vision.
Therefore, when we think we can our mind automatically finds out the way to do it. I can do it produces the way to do it. On the other hand, if you don't think you can you probably won't be able to do it. When you think you can't, your mind automatically recalls all the negative incidents that happened to you in the past to support your 'I can't do it' statement. So think positive, believe you can and you will.
Mahatma Gandhi Quotes # 3: "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
In order to enjoy true happiness of life, we have to learn to forgive. In order to live life to fullest, we have to learn to forgive. Forgiving relaxes you and makes your mind stress free. It's like throwing 100 pounds weight off your shoulders. But forgiving the unforgivable is one of the most difficult and thing to do. This is what this quote says. A weak person doesn't have the ability to forgive. One needs to be very strong in order to being able to forgive someone and let go of the past hurts.
Death and killing of MahatmaGandhi
History records that Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead by Nathuram Godse on 30 Jan 1948. Gandhi was on his way to a prayer meeting when Godse shot him at point blank range. Gandhi succumbed to his death soon after.
The question which begets an answer is as to why Godse shot Gandhi who appeared a relatively defenseless man. For this we have to look back to the turn of the century when Gandhi came back to India from South Africa.
Gandhi had two dreams. Firstly he desired that India should not be partitioned and secondly he wished to be regarded as a great leader of both the Moslems and the Hindus. Unfortunately he failed on both counts as India was divided into two nations and the two nation theory and races was accepted by the Imperial power. The Moslem's as well as a sizable section of Hindus also accepted this. Secondly the Moslem's never recognized him as their leader despite all his endeavors. Thus he followed a policy of appeasement to the Muslims through out his life but still ended up being classified as a Hindu leader.
The Moslem's preferred Jinnah as their leader and the few Moslem's who joined Gandhi had no popular base at all. Gandhi started the Khilafat Movement in the fond hope that Moslems would see in him their leader. Again during partition he decided to go on a fast to press the government of India to hand over 55 crores cash reserves to Pakistan which they claimed as their due. Suffice that even Nehru was opposed to this.
The period up to and just after partition was a terrible period. Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan lost their loved ones in the partition riots. Hindu women were raped in front of their husbands and young girls were abducted. Trains arrived from the west laden with dead bodies and people fleeing the killers were set upon with a brutality that just cannot be described..
One million refugees entered Delhi distraught and traumatized, unable to figure out why their lives had been shattered in a gruesome manner. Obviously they could not understand the rationale behind protecting the Muslims in Delhi. What left them aghast was Gandhi's insistence that Hindu and Sikh refugees should be sent back to Pakistan. It didn't make sense
All this lead to one solution -the assassination of Gandhi. His killers were Hindus and along with Nathuram Godse the conspirators were Narayan Apte, Vishnu Karkare, Gopal Godse, Madanlal Pahwa and Digambar Badge. The historic trial for murdering Gandhi was held in Delhi's Red Fort. The trial captured the imagination of the nation, unleashing sympathy and hate for the conspirators in equal measure. Badge, who had turned approver was openly spat upon and looked down by all and sundry.
Pictures of Nathuram Godse, Apte and their accomplices during the trial show them as remarkably relaxed, unconcerned about the imminent death sentence. At the end Godse and Apte were hanged and the others were all awarded life imprisonment. They never exporessed any regret.
Gandhi's actions did gross act injustice to the people of India and showed callous disregard for the sentiments of millions of refugees. If figures have any meaning nearly half-a-million people were butchered and 12 million were rendered homeless. Can it justify Godse's action? The people will have to draw their own conclusion from what I have written.
Mahatma Gandhi road running through the heart of Bangalore
Named after one of India's most famous sons, it is no wonder that Mahatma Gandhi Road is one of the most important and busiest roads in Bangalore. During the days of the British Raj, the road was referred to as the South Parade, but following independence it was renamed after the man that was instrumental in the ceding of India by the British Empire.
Born in the year 1869, Gandhi is considered to be one of the foremost leaders of the Indian freedom movement. Furthermore, he is credited as being the founder of non-violent protest, which was used to great effect against the unfair laws and regulations imposed by the colonials. Apart from his political work, Gandhi is also well known for his spiritual teachings; he ingrained the values of speaking the truth, non-violence, vegetarianism and other principles of spiritual purity among his disciples.
It is appropriate the Mahatma Gandhi Road begins at the Trinity Circle, a relic of the colonials, and ends at Anil Kumble Circle, which was named after one of Bangalore's most successful sportsmen. It is as if the road reflects the role of Gandhi as the means by which India moved away from Western powers towards its own political and economic doctrine.
Being one of the busiest areas of this city, MG Road runs through the heart of the commercial district. Bangalore has been known as the Silicon Valley of India for some time, owing to the presence of billion dollar software corporations here. Mahatma Gandhi Road serves as convenient link between the booming businesses of the region and its shopping and residential areas.
Hotels in Bangalore close to MG Road are great places to stay as they are close to many of the city's attractions.
A luxury hotel Bangalore such as the Ista Hotel Bangalore is one such option for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city's many delights.
Ahmedabad a city sharing a strong bond with Mahatma Gandhi
Ahmedabad, a metropolis equipped with every parameter of a 21st century city, is the chief commerce centre of Gujarat. Although, it is basically known for its large commerce base and a number of industries, it is also a perfect destination for spending a memorable vacation. It is one of the destinations that one would like to visit for an offbeat holidays. Full of glamour and Ritz of the materialistic world, the city is rapidly getting popular amongst the backpackers. Today, there is hardly any parameter that the city lacks. From the large multiplexes, uber shopping malls, exquisite restaurants and Ahmedabad hotels, entertainment centres to plush residencies, the city comprises all within its folds.
In addition to the modern aspect, the city also shares a strong bond with Mahatma Gandhi and India's struggle for freedom. Close to the city, there exists the place where Mahatma Gandhi lived, it is called Sabarmati Ashram. Also called Gandhi Ashram, it was once the most important place in the country. Many Indian fighters took shelter in the ashram and continued their fight for India's independence from the ashram. Evidently, attracting large amounts of tourists' interest the ashram is the most dominant tourist attraction. Many tourists after arriving the place head their way straight to the ashram. It is certainly a must visit. However, Ahmedabad tourism is certainly much more than that.
While you are in the city, it is expected that you visit Kankaria Lake. It was built by Sultan Kutubuddin in the 15th century and is one of the finest monuments from the Mughal era. Full of crystalline water the lake has a stretch of 2.25 square k.m. and is perfect for taking a break from the mundane life and spent some hours in tranquility with close ones. There is a beautiful garden in the middle of the lake and you will find a number of groups enjoying picnic. The most prominent attractions to look forward here are toy train, tethered balloon ride, water rides, food stalls, etc.
Another major tourist attraction in the city is the Sidi Sayeed Masjid. Although there is not much than an old mosque and the tranquility that resides, still a visit to the mosque is worth. The structure is very old, built-in late 1500 with large blocks of marbles. The main attraction of the structure is the highly detailed net or jaali that simply grabs the attention. In addition, Lal Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Rani No Hajiro, etc. are also known for their historic importance and worth a visit.
As more number of tourists are visiting the city, there is also a rise in the number of visitors to Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. Housing a large collection of artifacts, paintings, old scriptures, manuscripts, wood work, coins, bronze, bead works, etc. the museum provides a detailed insight on the history of the place. The wide-ranging collection of old sculptures is simply a must watch; skipping it is more or less keeping your tour incomplete.
Head to the city for a fun vacation and spend it exploring the attractions of the city. However, if you are still craving for more on India's history, Udaipur is a fine destination to visit. It ideally takes about 5 hours to reach Ahmedabad to Udaipur by car. However, you can also board on a direct train.
