One of the most renowned Indian heroes was Mahatma Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, and became one the most influential revolutionists against the British rule of India.
Perhaps Gandhi is best known for using nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule. The legacy of this revolution style has become popular in our modern society, becoming an instrument of peaceful government changes.
Gandhi was a professional lawyer who was unsatisfied with the political system employed by the British government which governed India at the time. However, he was not always anti-British as he studied at the Inner Temple, London, School of Law and joined the bar at the age of 22.
How Gandhi Became A Revolutionist
After two unsuccessful years in India, Gandhi moved to South Africa where his profession faired better. However, by 1901 he was no longer loving the unfair British system in South Africa. So, in 1915, he led his first civil uprising in a nonviolent campaign.
Notably, this would lay the foundation for his future career and he soon moved back to India. In 1921 Ghandi won his way into politics and became the leader of the Indian National Congress. He now had all the power he required.
Empowered by his quest for equality, Gandhi led numerous nationwide civil rights campaigns. Even though were nonviolent, the campaigns landed a constant message to the British rulers. These included:
- Reducing poverty,
- Improving women’s rights,
- Building religious and ethnic amity,
- eliminating untouchability
- Achieving self-rule
At first, it seemed that these objectives were insurmountable, but soon more people joined the caravan. Notwithstanding, these events brought both success and pain. For example, he was imprisoned many times both in India and South Africa.
However, memorable successes such as the 400 KM Dandi Salt March in 1930 which led to the easing of taxes on salt; or the call for Britain to quit India in 1942.
Gandi passed away on January 30, 1948, one year after Britain granted India its independence in August 1947.
Good