INDIA: Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd every year, marks the birth anniversary of one of the most iconic figures in the history of India and the world– Mahatma Gandhi. This day is not just a commemoration but a celebration of the enduring legacy left behind by the man who led India to independence through non-violent civil disobedience.
On this Gandhi Jayanti in 2023, we take a moment to reflect on the life journey of the Father of the Nation and the principles that continue to inspire generations worldwide.
Gandhi’s life journey
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in Gujarat, India. He was born into a modest family, and his early years were marked by a strong sense of ethics and spirituality instilled by his parents.
He showed promise from a young age, displaying a deep commitment to truth and justice. His education took him to England, where he studied law, and later, he ventured to South Africa to practice as a lawyer.
Gandhi’s life took a pivotal turn during his time in South Africa, where he faced racial discrimination and injustice firsthand. It was here that he began to develop the principles of Satyagraha (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence) that would later become the cornerstones of his activism. His leadership in the Indian community’s struggle for civil rights in South Africa laid the foundation for his future role as a freedom fighter.
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi threw himself into the struggle for India’s independence from British colonial rule. One of his most iconic acts was the Salt March in 1930, a 240-mile trek to the Arabian Sea to protest the British monopoly on salt production. This peaceful yet powerful protest became a symbol of India’s determination to break free from colonial oppression.
His life was devoted to the pursuit of freedom, and he chose the path of non-violence, winning hearts with love and tolerance and leaving a deep impact on the Indian civil rights movement. Tragically, he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.
Gandhi’s philosophy and legacy
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, or Ahimsa, was his most enduring legacy. He believed that individuals could bring about social and political change through peaceful means and self-sacrifice. His teachings emphasized the power of truth, love, and compassion in the face of adversity.
Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens around the world. His principles of non-violence and civil disobedience have been instrumental in numerous movements for justice and equality, including the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, a day dedicated to honouring Gandhi’s enduring principles.
According to the United Nations, this day serves as an opportunity to “spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.” It reaffirms the “universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire to foster a culture of “peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.”
Mahatma Gandhi’s life journey from a young boy in Porbandar to the revered leader of a nation and a global icon is a testament to the power of truth, non-violence, and unwavering determination.
Gandhi Jayanti serves as a reminder of the principles he stood for and the sacrifices he made for a better world. As we commemorate this day in 2023, let us strive to emulate his values and work towards a more just and peaceful world in the spirit of “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Also Read: Remembering the Legacy of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on His Birth Anniversary
