Mahatma Gandhi's struggle in South Africa
After becoming a barrister, Gandhiji went to South Africa in 1893 for a legal case. But when he faced racist comments and discrimination there, the direction of his life changed. Seeing the Indian community in South Africa struggling because of their presence, he decided to fight for them. This was an important turning point in his life when Gandhiji's ideology of Satyagraha was born.
PressNews24 provides latest news, bollywood news, breaking news hollywood, top tech news, business standard news, indian economy news, world economy news, travel news, mumbai news, latest news mumbai loksabha election 2024, video viral news, delhi news, Only at PressNews24.in
Freedom struggle and Gandhiji's movement in India
Gandhi returned to India in 1915 after living in South Africa for more than 20 years. As soon as Gandhiji returned to the country, he joined the freedom struggle. For this he joined the Indian National Congress and soon became its prominent leader. Gandhiji's main movements against the British in India's freedom struggle were-
- Non-cooperation Movement (1920): Gandhiji adopted the policy of non-cooperation against British rule and its laws. Under this, Indians boycotted British clothes and goods and insisted on adopting indigenous ones.
- Dandi March (1930): A 240-mile (about 387 km) foot march to protest against the British government's Salt Law. It made people aware not only at the national but also at the international level against British rule.
- Quit India Movement (1942): During World War II, Gandhiji demanded the immediate withdrawal of the British government from India. This movement, which demanded the expulsion of the British from India and their return to their country, gave a new turn to the Indian freedom struggle.
Gandhiji's ideology
Mahatma Gandhi lived his life on principles like truth, non-violence, self-reliance and social justice. Gandhiji's main life principles were-
- Nonviolence: Gandhiji believed that violence could not be the solution to any problem. He/she continued to struggle peacefully throughout his/her life without any violence.
- Truth: Gandhiji believed that truth is the greatest power. He had said- 'Truth is God'.
- Swadeshi: Emphasizes on Indians becoming self-reliant by using indigenous textiles and products. He adopted the symbol of Charkha, promoted Khadi.
- Equality of all religions: Gandhiji respected all religions equally. He believed that the aim of all religions is human welfare.
Gandhiji's contribution to society
Apart from being a lawyer and freedom fighter, Gandhiji was also a social reformer. The major social issues on which he worked are-
- Cleanliness Campaign: Gandhiji, who considered cleanliness an important part of life, launched many small and big campaigns for cleanliness.
- Abolishing untouchability: Gandhiji started using the word 'Harijan' for the people of Dalit community against the feeling of untouchability and discrimination. Its meaning = Hari + Jana, i.e. people of God.
- Women Empowerment: Gandhiji not only inspired the women of India to join the country's freedom struggle but also fought for their fundamental rights.
Who called Gandhiji the Father of the Nation?
While giving a radio message in Singapore on June 4, 1944, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the Father of the Nation. Later the Government of India recognized this name. Although Gandhiji was called Bapu long before this. According to historians, during the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917, a farmer addressed him as Bapu (father).
Gandhiji's death
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948, just 5 months after India gained independence. A person named Nathuram Godse shot Gandhiji in Delhi. Gandhiji's death saddened not only India but the entire world.
