Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
- Born:
- October 2, 1869, Porbandar, Gujarat, British India
- Died:
- January 30, 1948, New Delhi, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Anti-colonial Nationalist, Political Ethicist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Hindu Modh Bania family.
- Father was a diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar state.
- Studied law at Inner Temple, London.
- Called to the bar in 1891.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced law in South Africa for over 20 years, advocating for the rights of the Indian community.
- Developed and promoted the philosophy of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance).
- Led numerous campaigns for Indian independence from British rule.
- Played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress.
- Imprisoned multiple times for his political activities.
- Successfully negotiated India's independence in 1947.
Notable Works
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- An Autobiography or The Story of My Experiments with Truth (1927)
- Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (1956-1984), a multi-volume compilation.
Legacy and Impact
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, revered as Mahatma Gandhi, left an indelible mark on the 20th century and continues to inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the globe. The study of a hypothetical 'catholic saint helena biography of mahatma' serves as a unique thought experiment, however the actual legacy lies with the historical figure.