October 2nd is the natal day of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi which is recognised as Gandhi Jayanti each year all over India. This day is marked as a National Holiday in the Indian calendar to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. Globally, this day is observed as an International Day of Non-Violence because Gandhiji was the preacher of non-violence. He was a symbol of peace and truth. It is a day off for the public and schools and most businesses remain closed. Government Offices, Post Offices, and Banks are also closed on this day. In order to pay tribute to the Bapu of the Nation, many events are organised nationwide:
- Prayer Services, commemorative ceremonies, and homages at different locations in pan-India.
- Art Exhibitions, debates, poster competitions, essay competitions, lectures, and rallies are organised throughout the world.
- Awards are presented to the projects stimulating a non-violent way of life.
- The films and theatre acts are shown and book readings on his life and achievements are encouraged among the children.
Flower Garlands and bunches of flowers are also placed at many statues of Mahatma Gandhi and his memorial where he was cremated. Gandhi’s favorite song ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ is sung and played by many people throughout the country. This year Gandhi Jayanti is falling in the mid-day of the week when most movies are being released.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Life
Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in a Hindu family in Porbandar, Gujarat. He was the youngest child of his father’s (Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi) fourth wife (Putlibai Gandhi). He was married to Kasturba Gandhi and had four children named Harilal Gandhi, Manilal Gandhi, Ramdas Gandhi, and Devdas Gandhi. Gandhi got a chance to study law in Inner Circle, London. By profession, he was a lawyer, activist, politician, and writer. With his mind-boggling acts of Satyagraha and non-violence, he encouraged many other political controllers all over the world such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi. Apart from helping India in conquering the struggle for independence, he was always admired for leading a simple, virtuous and non-violent life.
Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead with three bullets in his chest by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist on January 30, 1948, because of assassination.
Mahatma Gandhi Campaign
Mahatma Gandhi was an anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed non-violent resistance to fight against the British rule for independence. India was ruled by the British government for about 250 years and Gandhi started seven major freedom movements to protect India and its economy from Britisher’s divide and rule policy. There is a big contribution of Gandhi in Indian freedom movements:
World War1
The viceroy of India, Lord Chelmsford invited Gandhi to World War 1 conference. Gandhi agreed to involve Indian people in the war in order to gain the trust of the empire. But he made it clear to the Viceroy that he would not harm, injure or kill any person, friend or opponent during the war.
Champaran
The Champaran agriculturist was not interested in the farming of indigo but was forced to do so. They were being maltreated if protested. This became Gandhi’s first winning movement through non-violent protest.
Kheda
When Kheda, in Gujarat was badly affected by the floods, the peasants of the district pleaded for the ignorance on non-payment of taxes. At that time, Gandhi decided on the social ban on mamltadars and talatdars (revenue officials). Later in 1918, the government diluted the payment of revenue taxes.
Khilafat Movement
Mahatma Gandhi was involved in Khilafat movement and had a great influence on the Muslim community which was evident from his behavior. After the First World War, all Muslims were scared for the safety of their religious leaders and were protesting worldwide. Gandhi was the only spokesperson of the All India Muslim Conference.
Non-cooperation Movement
Gandhi realized that Britishers were able to stay in India due to the co-operation of Indian people. Then, he called off the meeting and shaped the non-cooperation movement. With Congress’s support and his conquerable behavior, he assured the people for peaceful non-cooperation movement which was the only key to independence.
Salt March
The Salt March is also known as Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March, and the Dandi Saytagraha was an act of non-violence civil disobedience. This march lasted for 24 days as a direct campaign for tax resistance and non-violence protest against the British Salt monopoly. After making salt by evaporation at Dandi, Gandhi continued his satyagraha and many Indians joined him in this protest.
Quit India Movement
During the World War-2, when Britishers were hiring Indians for the war, Gandhi opposed the matter and gave a blow to Britishers to leave India. Gandhi protested strongly and denied the hiring of Indians for democratic purposes when India itself was a slave country.
Mahatma Gandhi Freedom Fighter Image
Mahatma Gandhi was a legendary freedom fighter and a distinguished political leader who played a significant role in India’s fight for independence. Bapu’s contribution cannot be measured in words. Unlike other freedom fighters, he also did not leave any chance unattended in compelling the Britishers to quit India. Gandhi has always stood for human rights and opened the paths of victory for the freedom of our beloved country.
Mahatma Gandhi is the true inspiration for all the generations for his non-violence behavior, truthfulness, forbearance, and social welfare. He was much more than a freedom fighter and also a great soul. He was more focused on Hindu-Muslim unity, social reforms, and gender equality. On the account of his 150th birth anniversary, let’s walk down the lane and pledge to do few noble causes for the welfare of the children, society and our country. We should value this freedom which we have earned with the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. JAI HIND!
Gandhi Jayanti Images on India Content
The India Content website has a good stock of Gandhi Jayanti images. The photos are available in three sizes-small, medium and large.
You can purchase various other content images from the https://www.indiacontent.in
