Mahatma Gandhi Biography: DOB, Wife, Children, Networth, Income, Properties, Education, Family, Independence Day, History

Mahatma Gandhi: A Biography

Early Life

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, and his mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman who greatly influenced Gandhi’s spiritual upbringing. Raised in a devout Hindu family, Gandhi imbibed values of non-violence, truth, and tolerance from a young age.

Education and Early Influences

Gandhi’s early education took place in Porbandar and later in Rajkot. In 1888, he traveled to London to study law at University College London. During his stay in England, Gandhi became deeply interested in religious and philosophical texts, which shaped his thoughts on truth and non-violence. He returned to India in 1891 to practice law but struggled to establish a successful legal career.

South Africa and the Birth of Satyagraha

In 1893, Gandhi accepted a year-long contract to work for an Indian firm in Natal, South Africa. This move proved to be a turning point in his life. In South Africa, Gandhi experienced firsthand the racial discrimination faced by the Indian community. These experiences galvanized him into action. He developed and practiced the concept of “Satyagraha” (truth-force or soul-force), a non-violent way of protesting against injustice. Over the next 20 years, Gandhi led campaigns for civil rights in South Africa, gaining international recognition for his efforts.

Return to India and Struggle for Independence

Gandhi returned to India in 1915, where he quickly became a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress (INC). He advocated for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience as methods to achieve self-rule (Swaraj) for India. Gandhi led several significant movements, including:

• Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha (1917-1918): These movements addressed the plight of farmers facing oppressive policies and severe famine.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): This was a mass protest against British rule, urging Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
• Salt March (1930): Also known as the Dandi March, this 240-mile journey to the Arabian Sea was a protest against the British salt tax. It became a symbol of Indian resistance.
• Quit India Movement (1942): A demand for an end to British rule in India, which saw mass arrests and widespread civil disobedience.

Personal Philosophy and Practices

Gandhi’s personal philosophy was deeply rooted in the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya). He believed in simple living, self-sufficiency, and the importance of manual labor. Gandhi also emphasized the need for communal harmony, advocating for the eradication of untouchability and promoting religious tolerance.

Independence and Partition

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. However, the joy of independence was marred by the partition of India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan, leading to widespread communal violence. Gandhi was deeply pained by the partition and worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity between Hindus and Muslims.

Assassination

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s views on non-violence and communal harmony. Gandhi’s death was mourned worldwide, and he remains an enduring symbol of peace and non-violent resistance.

Legacy

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire movements for civil rights and social change across the globe. His teachings have influenced many leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Gandhi is remembered as the “Father of the Nation” in India, and his birthday, October 2, is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. His life and work serve as a testament to the power of non-violent resistance in the face of oppression.

Mahatma Gandhi Wife & Children:

Gandhi married Kasturba Makhanji in an arranged marriage in 1883 when he was just 13 years old. Kasturba, often called Ba, was a significant influence and partner in Gandhi’s life and activism.

Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi, had four sons:

1. Harilal Gandhi (1888–1948)

• Harilal was the eldest son of Mahatma Gandhi. He had a tumultuous relationship with his father, often rebelling against Gandhi’s principles and decisions. Harilal struggled with his own identity and faced many personal challenges, including issues with alcoholism and financial instability. Despite these difficulties, Harilal sought to establish himself independently of his father’s influence.

1. Manilal Gandhi (1892–1956)

• Manilal was the second son and spent much of his life in South Africa, continuing his father’s work. He took over the editorship of “Indian Opinion,” the newspaper started by Gandhi in South Africa, and was actively involved in the struggle for the rights of Indians in the country. Manilal’s commitment to nonviolence and social justice mirrored that of his father.

1. Ramdas Gandhi (1897–1969)

• Ramdas was the third son and accompanied his father on several of his campaigns and movements. Although not as prominently involved in the independence struggle as some of his siblings, Ramdas supported his father’s ideals and efforts. He lived a relatively quiet life compared to his brothers, focusing on supporting his father’s mission.

1. Devdas Gandhi (1900–1957)

• Devdas was the youngest son and followed a career in journalism. He worked for “The Hindustan Times,” a major Indian newspaper, and eventually became its editor. Devdas was deeply influenced by his father’s teachings and played a role in promoting Gandhi’s principles through his work in journalism. He also had close relationships with several prominent figures in Indian politics and society.

Gandhi’s relationship with his children was complex and often strained due to his demanding expectations and the immense pressure of his public life. Despite the challenges, his sons played various roles in supporting and continuing his legacy in their own ways.

Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation in India, is primarily remembered for his role in the Indian independence movement through non-violent civil disobedience. Unlike modern political figures or celebrities, his life wasn’t marked by personal wealth or accumulation of properties. Here are some key points about his financial and property status:

Net Worth:

• Personal Wealth: Mahatma Gandhi lived a life of simplicity and renunciation. He practiced and preached minimalism, often wearing simple clothes and living in austere conditions. Consequently, he did not accumulate personal wealth.
• Income: Gandhi’s primary source of income was through donations and support from followers and supporters for his social and political activities. He did not have personal investments or significant earnings that would contribute to a notable net worth.
• Legacy: Gandhi’s legacy is not measured in monetary terms but in his profound impact on social justice, civil rights, and independence movements worldwide.

Properties:

• Ashrams: Gandhi founded several ashrams (spiritual hermitages) which were community living spaces focused on self-sufficiency and simple living. Notable ones include:
  • Sabarmati Ashram: Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, this ashram was a major center for the Indian independence movement.
  • Sevagram Ashram: Located near Wardha, Maharashtra, this became Gandhi’s residence and headquarters from 1936 onwards.
• Personal Residence: Gandhi did not own significant personal property. He spent his life moving between various ashrams, followers’ homes, and in jail during his many imprisonments by the British authorities.
• Heritage Sites: Several places associated with Gandhi’s life have been turned into heritage sites and museums, preserving his legacy and contributions. These properties are typically owned and maintained by trusts, the Indian government, or private organizations dedicated to preserving his memory.

Conclusion:

Mahatma Gandhi’s life was characterized by his commitment to simplicity, non-violence, and minimalism. He did not pursue wealth or property, choosing instead to live in community ashrams and dedicate his life to the service of others and the struggle for India’s independence. His legacy is one of moral and ethical influence rather than financial wealth.