Few people have so captivated...
Illustration
Few people have so captivated the imagination of the world for their self-sacrificing service as Mahatma Gandhi. Known as the father of independent India, his path to becoming an influential politician differs from the norm. Son of the prime minister of a small Indian state, Gandhi studied law in England and began his practice in South Africa. He established several ashrams or spiritual communities there (notably Phoenix Farm and Tolstoy Farm). In 1906, he devised his first nonviolent resistance campaign borrowing from the thought of the Hindu scriptures, the New Testament, Thoreau, and Tolstoy. He returned to India in 1914 at the age of 45. There he established another ashram, supported the cause of workers, and engaged his first fast. His commitment to ending the reign of British power began following the harsh reprisals to a protest at Amritsar, when 379 Indians were killed by machine guns.
He protested regularly and non-violently. He fasted and led marches; one protesting the British salt monopoly involved a march of over 200 miles. He was imprisoned. In 1933, while in prison, he fasted 21 days on behalf of the plight of the untouchables and was released to remove British responsibility should he die. His wife died in prison in 1943. He also participated in conversations about the future of the Indian people. He was greatly grieved by the riots resulting from the partition of India and Pakistan and fasted to promote peace. On January 30, 1948, he was assassinated while walking to prayers. Once asked about Christianity, Gandhi stated: "I could have been a Christian, but for the Christians."
He protested regularly and non-violently. He fasted and led marches; one protesting the British salt monopoly involved a march of over 200 miles. He was imprisoned. In 1933, while in prison, he fasted 21 days on behalf of the plight of the untouchables and was released to remove British responsibility should he die. His wife died in prison in 1943. He also participated in conversations about the future of the Indian people. He was greatly grieved by the riots resulting from the partition of India and Pakistan and fasted to promote peace. On January 30, 1948, he was assassinated while walking to prayers. Once asked about Christianity, Gandhi stated: "I could have been a Christian, but for the Christians."
