We are a few days away from the ‘Father of the Nation’s’ birthday, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. October 2 is declared a national holiday to celebrate this special occasion. Gandhiji was a social reformer and one of the key figures in India’s freedom struggle against British rule.
Why do we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti? To respect and honour his relentless contributions to his nation and his compatriots. With his birthday knocking at the door, students might look for Mahatma Gandhi’s essay – an important topic of discussion in schools and colleges.
Early Life & Education
Writing an essay on Gandhiji will need you to know his childhood and early education details. Let’s have a look.
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, had a fascinating early life and education:
1. Family Background: Gandhi was born into a devout Hindu family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was a chief minister in Porbandar, and his mother, Putlibai, profoundly influenced his religious beliefs.
2. Education in India: He received his early education in Porbandar and later in Rajkot. He was an average student but followed a strong sense of discipline and honesty from a young age.
3. Legal Studies in London: In 1888, at 18, Gandhi travelled to London to study law at University College London. This marked the beginning of his journey into the legal profession.
4. Influence of Western Ideas: During his time in London, he was exposed to Western philosophy, literature and political thought, which later influenced his thinking and approach to social and political issues.
5. South Africa Experience: After completing his legal studies, Gandhi moved to South Africa in 1893 to work as a lawyer. It was in South Africa that he began to develop his philosophy of nonviolent resistance or Satyagraha, while fighting against racial discrimination and injustice.
6. Return to India: Gandhi returned to India in 1915, bringing with him the principles of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. He became a prominent leader in the Indian Nationalist Movement, advocating for India’s independence from British colonial rule.
Gandhi’s early life and education played a crucial role in shaping his values and beliefs, ultimately leading him to become one of the most influential figures in India’s struggle for independence and a global icon of nonviolent resistance.
Philosophy & Principles
Writing a Mahatma Gandhi essay in English has another main ingredient: his famous philosophy and principles. Let’s check out what he followed and preached that had a global impact.
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and principles were deeply rooted in his belief in nonviolence, truth and social justice.
1. Satyagraha (Truth and Nonviolence): Gandhi’s central philosophy was Satyagraha, which means “truth force” or “soul force.” It involved using nonviolent resistance to achieve social and political change. He believed that truth and nonviolence were inseparable and had the power to transform individuals and societies.
2. Ahimsa (Nonviolence): Ahimsa, or nonviolence, was the primary element in Gandhi’s philosophy. He believed in individuals’ moral and ethical duty to refrain from causing harm or violence to others both physically and mentally.
3. Sarvodaya (Welfare of All): Gandhi advocated for the well-being of all members of society, particularly the marginalised and oppressed. He believed in the idea of Sarvodaya, which means the “welfare of all.” His goal was to create a just and equitable society where every individual had equal opportunities and rights.
4. Swadeshi (Self-Reliance): Gandhi encouraged self-reliance and promoted local industries. He believed economic independence was crucial for India’s freedom from British colonial rule. He promoted the use of indigenous goods and boycotted British-made products.
5. Civil Disobedience: Gandhi advocated for civil disobedience as a nonviolent means to resist unjust laws and policies. He believed that individuals had a moral duty to disobey laws that violated their conscience and principles.
6. Equality and Social Justice: Gandhi was a staunch advocate for social justice and equality. He fought against discrimination based on caste, religion and gender. He believed in the dignity and worth of every individual.
7. Global Peace: Gandhi’s principles extended beyond India’s borders. He advocated for world peace and resolving conflicts through nonviolence and diplomacy.
In a Gandhi Jayanti essay, it’s compulsory to discuss the significant Gandhi principles. Gandhi’s philosophy and principles played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and inspired movements for civil rights, social justice and nonviolence worldwide. His commitment to truth and nonviolence continues to be a source of inspiration for individuals and movements striving for positive change.
Also Read: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti Speech in English
Leadership in India’s Independence
A Mahatma Gandhi essay must include his prolific leadership story and how it significantly impacted India’s freedom fight.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was a pivotal campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It was launched in 1920.
1. Boycott of British Goods: One of the central elements of the Non-Cooperation Movement was the boycott of British-made goods. Gandhi urged Indians to stop buying British products and instead use locally-made goods, promoting self-reliance and hitting the British economy in India.
2. Non-Cooperation with British Authorities: Indians were encouraged to resign from government jobs, quit British-controlled educational institutions and boycott British courts and law practices. The aim was to withdraw support from the British administrative machinery.
3. Surrender of Titles and Honors: Many Indians, as a symbolic act of defiance, renounced their titles, honours and positions in the British government and returned their awards.
4. Mass Mobilisation: The Non-Cooperation Movement successfully mobilised millions of Indians, transcending regional and social boundaries. It marked a significant awakening of the Indian masses to the cause of independence.
5. Suspension of the Movement: The Non-Cooperation Movement was suspended in 1922 after the violent Chauri Chaura incident where a confrontation between protesters and the police turned deadly. Gandhi believed that nonviolence was paramount and called off the movement to prevent further violence.
Although temporarily suspended, the Non-Cooperation Movement had far-reaching consequences. It established the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance as a tool for achieving political change. It also profoundly impacted British policies in India and contributed to the eventual achievement of India’s independence in 1947.
The next must include in a Mahatma Gandhi essay is the legendary movement led by him: The Salt Satyagraha. The Salt Satyagraha, also known as the Salt March or Dandi March, was a pivotal event in India’s struggle in 1930.
The primary aim was to protest the British monopoly on salt production and sales which heavily taxed this essential commodity affecting all Indians.
Major features:
1. Gandhi and a group of followers marched about 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a coastal town.
2. At Dandi, Gandhi and his followers defied the salt laws by making their own salt from seawater.
3. This symbolic act of defiance encouraged Indians across the country to break the salt laws, leading to mass protests and the production of illegal salt.
The Salt Satyagraha was a nonviolent protest against British salt laws, illustrating the power of civil disobedience and nonviolence.
It gained significant international attention and support for India’s independence movement. The movement marked a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom and increased Indian unity and participation in the independence movement.
As a result, the British responded with mass arrests, but the movement grew, putting pressure on British rule.
The Quit India Movement must also be mentioned while crafting a Gandhiji essay in English. It Was a mass protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, demanding an immediate end to British colonial rule in India. It played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence.
The Quit India Movement was significant because it marked a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. It led to widespread civil disobedience, increased international attention and ultimately hastened the end of British colonial rule in India.
Global Influence & Legacy
If you’re asked to write an essay on Mahatma Gandhi, all the points should be well-structured. One of the essential elements to include in a Mahatma Gandhi essay is his global Influence and the honours he received for his remembering contributions.
Time Magazine’s Person of the Year (1930): Gandhiji was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 1930 for his leadership in the Indian independence movement and his philosophy of nonviolence.
Time 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century (1999): Gandhi was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century in 1999.
In a Mahatma Gandhi essay, it’s important to note how his teachings also play a critical part in today’s society. Gandhi’s influence continues to be felt today in various ways:
1. Nonviolence: His philosophy of nonviolence or Ahimsa inspires movements and leaders advocating for peaceful change and social justice worldwide.
2. Civil Rights: Gandhi’s methods influenced civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, who adopted nonviolent resistance in their struggles.
3. Global Peace: His principles remain relevant in international conflict resolution and peace-building efforts.
4. Environmentalism: Gandhi’s emphasis on simple living and sustainability aligns with modern environmental and sustainability movements.
5. Social Justice: His commitment to equality and social justice remains a guiding light for activists fighting against discrimination and inequality.
Gandhi’s legacy symbolises the enduring power of nonviolence, truth and moral leadership.
Also Read: Gandhi Jayanti Essay in English for Students
Wrapping Up
That wraps up our discussion on a Mahatma Gandhi essay. A legendary figure in India’s freedom struggle, an essay on him must include all the essential facts and details related to him.
Gandhi’s principles and legacy will continue to be felt even in the coming days, as those are the main ingredients towards a better society. As proud Indians, we must follow in his footsteps and stick to his shared teachings, which will ultimately serve our benefit.
FAQs on Mahatma Gandhi Essay
Q1. What were Gandhi’s significant contributions to India’s independence movement?
Gandhi led various movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement, which played crucial roles in India gaining independence in 1947.
Q2. How did Gandhi’s philosophy influence other civil rights movements globally?
Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S. civil rights movement and Nelson Mandela in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
Q3. What is Gandhi’s lasting legacy?
Gandhi’s legacy is a source of inspiration for those striving for social justice, nonviolence and positive change in the world.
Q4. What were Gandhi’s core principles?
Gandhi’s core principles included nonviolence (Ahimsa), truth (Satyagraha), civil disobedience and social justice.
