Gandhi

Gandhi

" Father of India" With his bald head, thin body, wire glasses, and shy nature, Mohandas Gandhi seemed like a kind grandfather. Within this quiet man, however, was a powerful will. His strong beliefs in fairness, freedom, kindness, and peace changed nations. Even many years after his death, “ The Father of India" continues to inspire people around the world.

Early Life Gandhi was born into a large Hindu family on October 2, 1869. Many Hindus believe in nonviolence and caring for others. His mother was a great example. She prayed daily and took care of people who were sick or poor. His father worked as a local government leader. He often settled disagreements between the local people and the British, who ruled India. From his father, Gandhi would learn to respect others and their beliefs.

At eighteen, Gandhi sailed to England to study law. While attending school in London, he began to study different religions and their texts. After a few years, Gandhi became a lawyer and returned to India. Still very shy, he struggled to find work. He agreed to take a job in South Africa in 1888.

South Africa South Africa was also ruled by the British. People who were not white were treated poorly. One day while Gandhi traveled by train, a conductor told him he couldn't sit in the first-class car. Gandhi said that he was traveling on business and had bought a first-class ticket. None of that mattered because of the color of Gandhi's skin. When Gandhi would not leave, he was thrown off the train. On another trip, a driver beat Gandhi for refusing to make room for a white passenger. Gandhi thought this was unfair and felt he had to do something. He stayed in South Africa and worked hard to help the Indians in that country. His work brought attention to him as well as to the struggles of Indians in South Africa. He also became a leader among the Indian people.

During this time, every Indian in South Africa was forced to register with the government. Gandhi held a protest, during which he explained his idea of satyagraha (suh-TYAH-gruh-huh). The word means " holding firmly to the truth. " Gandhi used it to represent his form of nonviolent protest. He called for Indians to disobey the law and accept the punishments. Many Indians were beaten or jailed, including Gandhi. News of the protests and punishments reached around the world. People were shocked. They spoke out against the government. The government had to talk with the protesters. Gandhi remained in South Africa for twenty years. He continued to work for better treatment of Indians. During this time, he stopped wearing western clothes. Instead, he wore the homemade robes and sandals for which he would become known.