**Biography of Mahatma Gandhi**

Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was one of the greatest leaders and freedom fighters in world history. He was born on **October 2, 1869**, in **Porbandar**, a coastal city in the state of Gujarat, India. His father, **Karamchand Gandhi**, was the Diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, and his mother, **Putlibai**, was a very religious and compassionate woman. From a young age, Gandhi was influenced by his mother's values ​​of truth, non-violence, tolerance, and self-discipline.Gandhi received his early education in India and later moved to **England in 1888**, where he studied law at the Inner Temple in London. After completing his studies, he returned to India as a barrister, but struggled to establish a successful legal practice. In **1893**, he accepted a legal assignment in **South Africa**, which proved to be a turning point in his life. There, Gandhi experienced racial discrimination firsthand, including being thrown off a train despite having a valid ticket. These humiliating experiences deeply affected him and awakened in him a sense of justice and equality.While in South Africa, Gandhi developed the philosophy of **Satyagraha**, which means "holding onto truth." Satyagraha emphasized **non-violent resistance** as a powerful weapon against injustice. He led peaceful protests against discriminatory laws imposed on Indians and other non-white communities. His leadership and commitment earned him respect, and he successfully helped bring about reforms. After spending more than two decades in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India in **1915**, by which time he had become recognized as a moral and political leader.

Upon his return, Gandhi dedicated himself to understanding the lives of ordinary Indians. He adopted a **simple lifestyle**, wore hand-spun khadi clothes, and lived among the poor. He believed that India's independence could only be achieved through unity, self-reliance, and non-violence. Gandhi soon became a central figure in the **Indian National Congress** and began leading nationwide movements against British colonial rule.One of Gandhi's early campaigns in India was the **Champaran movement (1917)**, where he supported indigo farmers exploited by British landlords. This was followed by the **Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)**, which urged Indians to boycott British institutions, goods, and titles. Although this movement was later withdrawn due to outbreaks of violence, it marked a significant step in mobilizing mass participation in the freedom struggle.In **1930**, Gandhi launched the historic **Dandi March**, also known as the **Salt March**, to protest the British monopoly on salt production. Walking over 240 miles from his Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi, Gandhi symbolically broke the salt laws. This peaceful act inspired millions and drew the world's attention to India's struggle for independence. Gandhi was arrested numerous times, but imprisonment never weakened his resolve.

Gandhi also worked tirelessly to address social evils. He strongly opposed **untouchability** and worked for the upliftment of marginalized communities, whom he called **Harijans** (children of God). He promoted communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims and emphasized education, sanitation, and village industries. His vision for India encompassed not only political independence but also moral and social transformation.After years of struggle, India finally gained independence on **August 15, 1947**. However, the joy of independence was marred by the **partition of India and Pakistan**, which resulted in widespread violence and suffering. Gandhi was deeply saddened by the bloodshed and undertook fasts to restore peace and unity. Tragically, on **January 30, 1948**, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse. His death sent shockwaves throughout India and the world. However, his teachings did not end with him. Gandhi's principles of **truth**, **non-violence**, and **peace** continue to inspire civil rights and freedom movements worldwide.Mahatma Gandhi is truly remembered in India as the **"Father of the Nation."** His life proved that courage does not require violence and that moral strength can overcome even the most powerful forces. His legacy remains a guiding light for humanity, reminding us that change begins with truth, compassion, and non-violence.