Truth is never illustrated through the use of violence.
This is one of the guiding principles that sets the core of the illuminated thinking created by the man known to the world as Mahatama, “the great soul.” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatama Gandhi was the moral & spiritual teacher & founding father of India.
Gandhi early life and history: He was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. His father was the Prime Minister of the Porbandar state and his mother was his Father’s fourth wife. When he was only 13 years old Gandhi was married to a 14 year old girl called Kasturba in an arranged child marriage. At the age of 15 he had his first child who died after few days only. In the following years Gandhiji had his four sons. In 1888 he moved on to London to study law & in 1893 he shifted to South Africa to work for an Indian firm. During his stay in South Africa Gandhi experienced discrimination & social injustice. Gandhiji started to work as a social activist. Gandhiji returned to India in 1915 and within a short span of time went on to become the President of Indian National Congress.
Mahatama Gandhi’s Philosophy
The great Indian leader Mahatama Gandhi always stood by his policy of non-violence. And even when provoked, Mohandas Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi refused to denounce his agresses because Gandhi strongly believed that non-violence is the only way to combat violence itself. Using the principles of non-violence Gandhiji led his campaign of Indian Independence against the Brit.
‘I regard myself as a soldier though a soldier of peace. I know the value of discipline & truth. I must ask you to believe me when I say that I have never made a statement of this description that the masses of India if it became necessary would resort to violence. I regard myself as incapable in my lucid moments of making a statement of this character. It is complete independence that we want.” said Gandhi in his farewell speech in Europe.
On the basis of his experiences in South Africa Gandhiji developed the concept of Satyagraha which literally means “unflinching adherence to the truth.” Bapu used to say, “Physical force is only necessary for the weak people. Real strength resides in your ability to express your ideals peacefully.” On 11th September 1906 Gandhi publicly proclaimed his philosophy for the first time. Needless to say public support was virtually universal.
Mahatama Gandhi’s Birthday 2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and is a national holiday in India. 2nd October is also celebrated as International World Non-Violence day to commemorate Gandhi. He was a very thoughtful and inspirational man, and gave to the world several inspiring quotes quotes on life, love, truth, Nation, religion, peace, society, etc. On the eve of upcoming 143rd Gandhi Jayanti 2012 we bring you top 10 Gandhi quotes:
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.
Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained.
I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.
Non-violence requires a double faith, faith in God and also faith in man.
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Peace is the most powerful weapon of mankind. It takes more courage to take a blow than to give one.
Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
Which one you follow arduously?
Gandhiji was a man of very strong determination and dedicated his entire life for a cause. Mahatama Gandhi’s affection, audacity, perseverance, foresight, and non-violence were few of many strengths of Bapu which assisted him and India gain independence from Britain. We salute Gandhi, Father of the Nation. Jai Hind!
Happy Gandhi Jayanti
(Contributed by: Suchi Goyal)