Gandhi Jayanti 2025: The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and his Struggle for India’s Independence

Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Mahatma Gandhi, fondly remembered as the Father of the Nation, was one of the most significant leaders of India’s freedom struggle. His life was not merely about leading a political movement; he aimed to transform the moral and social fabric of a nation under colonial rule. Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and truth became the guiding force of the freedom movement, inspiring millions.

Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Early Life and Awakening

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. After completing his law studies in London, Mahatma Gandhi first encountered injustice in South Africa. The racial discrimination against Indians there led him to become active in public life. It was there that he developed the concept of Satyagraha, resistance through truth and nonviolence, which later became the foundation of the Indian independence movement.

Mahatma Gandhi led the movement against British colonial rule in India. His peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and emphasis on self-reliance played a crucial role in achieving India’s independence. Every year, October 2nd is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, a day to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions.

This day serves as a reminder of his ideals of peace, simplicity, and selfless service. Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately called ‘Bapu,’ was not just a freedom fighter; his ideals shaped our nation. He was a visionary who laid the foundation for an inclusive society. He promoted the Khadi and Swadeshi movements, encouraging Indians to boycott foreign goods. Bapu emphasised the importance of education and advocated learning by doing. Gandhi defined leadership as service to the people and lived by his principles.

Return to India and Role in the Freedom Struggle

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and, under the guidance of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, began to familiarize himself with the realities of Indian society. Unlike many leaders of his time, Mahatma Gandhi did not confine his activism to the educated elite; he connected with farmers, laborers, and ordinary citizens.

His first major campaign in India was the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), in which he fought for the rights of oppressed “Neel” farmers against British plantation owners. This was followed by the Kheda Satyagraha (1918), which demanded tax relief for drought-affected farmers. These early struggles fostered trust between Mahatma Gandhi and the common people, establishing him as a key leader of the Indian independence movement.

People’s Movements that Shaped History: Mahatma Gandhi led some of the most influential and peaceful movements in modern history:

+ Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Gandhi called upon Indians to boycott British goods, schools, and institutions, marking the first large-scale protest against colonial rule.

+ Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): The historic Dandi March, in which Gandhi led a 240-mile march to break the British salt monopoly, became a symbol of resistance.

+ Quit India Movement (1942): With his powerful “Do or Die” call, Gandhi demanded an end to British rule, igniting a wave of protest across the country and shaking the foundations of the empire. Through these movements, Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated that freedom could be fought for through non-violence. His leadership instilled courage and a sense of purpose in millions of Indians, empowering them to participate in the struggle for independence.

The Philosophy That Defined Him:

Mahatma Gandhi believed that true freedom was not merely political, but also social and moral. He fought against untouchability, promoted communal harmony, and encouraged self-reliance through khadi and village industries. For him, freedom was incomplete until it uplifted the poorest of the poor, whom he called ‘the last man.’

History and Martyrdom:

On August 15, 1947, India finally achieved independence, a victory to which Gandhi’s unwavering spirit greatly contributed. However, the Father of the Nation did not live to see a united and peaceful India. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse. Even in death, his message of truth and nonviolence lives on. Today, Gandhi’s ideas continue to inspire movements for justice and equality around the world.

His life serves as a reminder that moral courage can be more powerful than any weapon.

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