Saturday, 6 October 2012

Mahatma Gandhi - Life, Work and Philosophy

Mahatma Gandhi - Life, Work and Philosophy

Do you want to know some interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi's life, work and philosophy? On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the father of our nation, let's open some pages of his life and try to imbibe what he use to preach and practice. Read on to know more about life, work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.


Mahatma Gandhi is a well known name all over the world. Although he is considered as the spiritual and political leader of India who helped Indians get freedom from the British rule, his philosophies and principles are being admired and followed throughout the world. He avoided any kind of violence all through his life. He dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity and his motherland.

Early life of Gandhiji

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a Hindu Modh family on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gandhiji was a vegetarian and believed fasting as a source of self-purification. He started his school life at the age of seven where he was a regular and punctual student. He accomplished his degree of law from England and was influenced by the teachings of Tolstoy. He could not succeed as a lawyer because he was unable to deal with the false cases. His motto was simple living and high thinking which he maintained throughout his life.


Gandhiji after Independence

After independence of India, Gandhiji withdrew his roles in politics and focused in developing peace and unity between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji wanted India to be completely free from violence and free in every possible manner. He wanted every Indian to have the freedom to worship and enjoy his or her heritage and culture as well as express his ideas and views freely.

Gandhiji also wanted to give equal status to women and men and help women live with dignity and enjoy the prospects of their own growth. He was completely against casteism and raised a voice against untouchability in India. He wanted to provide equal opportunities and equal status to all Indians. He traveled from village to village and advised people to work together in harmony and unity for the better development of the nation. Gandhiji was also a creative writer.


Quotes and Teachings of Gandhiji

Although Gandhiji is no more with us, his teachings are with us and there are many people even today who believe and try to follow one or all the teachings of Gandhiji. Some people do have some misconceptions regarding Gandhiji and they feel that he gave preference to Muslims and favoured the community. However, the fact is, he struggled to make them live in unity and dreamt of independent India where all were treated equally no matter whether he belonged to any religion, cast, creed, race or section of society. He wanted India to be a true sovereign nation.

On January 30, 1948, Gandhiji was shot dead by an assailant and his last words were, "Hey Ram". He was going to attend his morning prayers when he was shot. After his death, his followers try to lead a life based on truth and non-violence, which were the two basic principles of Gandhiji's life.

Today, it has become very important that people re-think and consider Gandhiji's teachings. There is lot of violence seen in the world and the principles of Gandhiji are needed throughout the world. It is a difficult path to walk, but gives peace and contentment to all. Gandhiji had said, "whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love". He wanted people to enjoy true happiness of life and so he insisted to help them learn forgiveness. He said, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong".

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