The modern India that we live in with freedom is the result of several freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the future of the country and the country’s people. One such remarkable person was Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement and was a trailblazer in the philosophy and strategy of committing non-violence.
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi – also fondly known as Mahatma Gandhi, meaning “great soul” – was born on October 2, 1869. His birthplace is Porbandar, a city in Gujarat, India. Gandhi always wanted to pursue his education abroad, and so when he became 18 years old, he went to London to complete his schooling. Later, he opened his own law firm in South Africa. However, even when he was a youngster, he had a sense of justice and awareness of responsibility in him. This was the reason he started civil disobedience after he witnessed harsh treatment towards Indians in South Africa.
Gandhi died on January 30, 1948. He was on his way to the evening prayers when a Hindu extremist shot and killed him.
The impact that Gandhi, as a freedom fighter, left on this country was deep and impenetrable. Gandhi may have left this world, but he is unforgettable. He shall remain remarkably in the hearts of Indians and the history of India. He was the bridge between the freedom and liberty of the country as a whole. After several struggles and sacrificial efforts, India gained independence, giving rise to two nations which were India and Pakistan in 1947. This year marks a great victory and triumph on a national level.
Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion celebrated on the 2nd of October every year in India to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It is officially announced to be one of the national holidays in India and declared as the International Day of Non-Violence by the UN General Assembly. It is marked by memorial services and tributes are given throughout India, including the renowned places he visited and was cremated.
Painting and essay competitions are organised in his memory and the best projects and acts of services adhering to non-violence are rewarded by granting prizes and badges of honour to the citizens of India. The nonviolent movement is one of the most significant acts of Gandhi’s life and it is made sure that it is implemented and rewarded in a way to celebrate Gandhi’s effort in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi’s favourite Bhajan, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is usually sung in his memory.
Statues of Mahatma Gandhi are decorated with flowers and garlands throughout India and some people refrain from consuming meat and alcohol on that day. Public buildings, such as banks and post offices, are closed for the day.
A Few Famous Quotes by Gandhiji
“Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”
“I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Non-violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could.”
“Nearly everything you do is of no importance, but it is important that you do it.”
“An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it.”
“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
1. When is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated Across the Nation?
Gandhi Jayanti is commemorated across the nation on October 2 every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, well known as Mahatma Gandhi or Gandhiji.
2. Where was Gandhiji Born?
Gandhiji was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on October 2, 1869.
3. Why is Gandhiji Called as the ‘Father of the Nation’?
Gandhiji is fondly called as the ‘Father of the nation’ due to his most prominent and persistent efforts for India’s independence.
4. Name a Few Civil Rights Movements Initiated by Gandhiji.
From Champaran to Dandi, Mahatma Gandhi led many civil rights movements including Dandi March, satyagraha, and mass civil disobedience movements.
5. What are the key factors that should be included in the Gandhi Jayanti essay for students in English?
Mahatma Gandhi was a leading figure in the independence of India. He revolted against the British rule in India through non-violent means, such as boycotting British goods, asking the Indian citizens to stop sending their children to a government school, imploring the Indians to withhold their taxes, and abandoning their government posts. He called for the infamous Salt Act where a part of his campaign was to march 390 kilometres to the shores of the Arabian Sea and collect salt as an act of resistance to the British government.
6. What is the significance of 2nd October?
2nd October is known for Mahatma Gandhi’s date of birth. Celebrating his birthday on 2nd October is known as Gandhi Jayanti. According to the United Nations, the 2nd October is also known as The International Day of Non-Violence in the memory of Gandhi. It is a day to spread the message of non-violence through educating the masses and bringing awareness to them.
7. What made Gandhi start his mass movement of satyagraha?
After the first World War ended in 1918, Gandhi could not tolerate the subjugation of the British, so he began a peace movement of resistance to British rule. He wanted India to have its own self-serving government led by its own constitutional policies.
8. What are the significant activities done on the day of Gandhi Jayanti?
Painting and essay competitions are organised in his memory and the best projects and acts of services adhering to non-violence are rewarded by granting prizes and badges of honour to the citizens of India.
9. What is Gandhi most famous for?
Gandhi tried to reform other orthodox concepts, such as discrimination between untouchables (Hindus without caste) and prejudice between Hindus and Muslims. His main motto was to bring peace to the world and to live with freedom. His significant rule was that everything should be dealt with in a non-violent and peaceful way.
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