Mohandas Gandhi
The pioneer of non-violence, believed in simplicity
Early Life
What Gandhi did and why he did it....
Gandhi encouraged Indians to boycott British goods and buy Indian goods instead. This helped to keep local economies alive in India. Gandhi did not believe in violence to get what he wanted and used this method whilst fighting with the British. He knew that if he used violence it would only create a negative reaction whereas if he went about it a non-violent way it would push more people into supporting the Indian National Congress movement.
Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922, 1930, 1933 and in 1942. While in prison, he went on a hunger strike. His fame was so big, that his death in prison would make international headlines and greatly embarrass the British.
In 1931, Gandhi came to Britain for the Round Table conferences. Nothing was achieved except for the publicity that Gandhi received for dressing in the clothes of an Indian villager; Gandhi saw this type of dress as perfectly normal for a man who represented the Indian people. The British representatives at the conference were dressed in formal clothes.
When in India, Gandhi took on the British where possible. His famous walk to the sea to produce salt was one of these.
Gandhis Imprisonment
Saturday, Mar 18, 1922, 12:00 AM
Britain
The Salt March
Before Gandhi began his journey, he wrote a letter to Lord Irwin, the viceroy, to inform him of his course of action. This letter was part of Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent action in hopes to work out a solution. However, Lord Irwin did not reply and Gandhi began his expedition. Gandhi successfully completed his march to the sea with his 78 followers. When Gandhi reached Dandi he picked up a small chunk of salt, this is against the British law. Soon after, thousands followed Gandhi's example and picked up salt off the coast. A month after Gandhi completed his march he was arrested for breaking the law and soon after India's prisons were full with other Indians who had followed his lead.
How it all ended.....
Gandhi, although dead now, is still spiritually alive now. He still lives on in peoples hearts and many of his quotes are still looked upon. He was able to show the world that no matter who or what you are, you are no different to anyone else and everyone should be treated fairly. Whether you're black or white, Indian or British, male or female you are equal to everyone else in the world.
"Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacities. She has the right to participate in the minutest details in the activities of man, and she has an equal right of freedom and liberty with him." - Mohandas Gandhi
Gandhi's effects to our world
Besides Gandhi's political and media influence through the movement, Gandhi had a much more deeper effect. The main objective in Gandhi's movement was nonviolent protests. Not only did Gandhi complete his objective of nonviolent behavior but he created an example of thousands of followers who did the same. His goal was to make change without hurting others others. When his followers also broke the law, they were beaten by British police before being arrested; all remaining nonviolent. This movement also was an influence on future nonviolent protests, such as those of Martin Luther King who held Gandhi as a role model. Martin Luther King practiced Gandhi's similar philosophy, of peace to gain peace and justice, through the Montgomery bus boycott. Gandhi not only made an example of change through nonviolence for his time, but provided a model for generations to come.
Mohandas Gandhi biography
Conclusion
Many of his quotes have been able to stand the test of time, and are most probably the centre of some peoples lives today.
The world (now and in later years) should take Mohandas Gandhi's actions on board and make them their own. They should learn from his peaceful protests and his caring demeanor and 'Become the change they wish to see in the world!'
Bibliography
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