Gandhiji is the father of our nation. His full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Rabindranath Tagore gave him the title ‘Mahatma’. It means ‘a great soul’. We also call him ‘BAPU’. Gandhiji was born on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat state. After passing Matriculation he went to England and studied law. He became a barrister in 1891.
In 1893 Gandhiji went to South Africa on a legal case. At that time the African Government used to ill-treat the Indians, living there. Gandhiji was very much moved by the sufferings of Indians. He led a peaceful fight against the Government to improve the living conditions of Indians. He was successful in getting many rights to our people in South Africa.
He returned to India and joined the freedom struggle. He led a non-violent movement. Non-violence and Satyagraha were the two great weapons to fight against the British rule. He led many non-violent movements like salt satyagraha, non-cooperation movement, ‘Swadesi’ movement and ‘Quit India’ movement. Under his leadership India became free on 15th August 1947.
Gandhiji had great belief in truth, ‘Ahimsa’ and God. He preached up-liftment of Harijans, and the removal of untouchability. He worked hard for Hindu-Muslim unity. He was shot dead on January 30, 1948. But his message guides our nation forever.