- Introduction -
Race, gender, background and more are just some of the types of discrimination that still go on today. In the past, it was even worse. Imagine, you couldn’t go outside seeing or starting a riot just because you were different. There was a hard struggle between India and Pakistan. Gandhi helped settle their differences and stop violence. He also helped free India from the British Empire. I am going to talk about his life and how he made a difference.
- Who he was: Early Life -
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in a small village called Porbandar in India. He was brought into the world by Karamchand (Father) and his mother, Putlibai. They all were part of the religion Hindu Moth. Religion was a big part of the family’s life. Even at a young age, Gandhi was discriminated against by Muslims and British Patrols. At that time, India was part of the British Empire which was Ruled by a King / Queen and a Prime Minister. His family and friends were beaten because he was a “colored Indian”. Someone needed to take action.
Already at the age of 13, he was arranged to be married to Kasturba Makhanji. They would later have 4 sons (Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Deudas). Shortly after marriage, he grieved the death of his father. He was actually closer to his mother. He admired her because she was “religiously spiritual”. She was a big part of his life and greatly supported him.
- Education -
Education was very influential part of Gandhi’s life. After finishing high school, he attended the University of Bombay and Samaldas College. He wanted to be a barrister, which is a kind of like a lawyer. Those colleges didn’t seem to please him. He then made a decision that would change his life. Should he settle down for a comfortable life style in India or enter a chance of a lifetime, to go to one of the best colleges in the world at that time? He decided to take a chance and study at the University College of London, England. Later he decided, no, he didn’t want to become a lawyer. But the skills he learned in London would later help him achieve his dream.
- Earlier in his Adult Life -
Gandhi’s adult life was exciting and boring at the same time. One thing he would never forget happened while he was still in England. He paid and was seated in the first class section of a train. The train conductor insisted he go to 3rd class because he was a “colored Indian”. He refused. He was thrown off the train in the middle of no where. This would later change his way of thinking by taking a stand on discrimination.
(From www.indien-netzwerk.de)
His Work
When Gandhi was still a barrister, he was informed of a law office in South Africa (which was also part of the British Empire). He decided to go for all the marbles and move on to better things. While in South Africa, the region’s government in which Gandhi was living in passed “The Black Act”. This segregated both Indian and Black people from White people. Gandhi decided to form a non – violent resistance movement. Way over 500 people protested these unfair conditions. His movement worked for freedom and equal rights for all people no matter what color or gender. Gandhi even nursed the sick and helped people with battles with the law. Gandhi was greatly followed by many different people no matter how different they were. He and his followers sought to accept the good and bad times in life and “bring harmony to the world”.
After his time in South Africa, Gandhi and his family returned to India in 1985. He greatly wanted to see the end of prejudice and hate throughout the world. Gandhi also worked to help free India of the British crown. He told his supporters to practice peace and love of all people. His fear was that there might be fighting between British troops and his fellow Indians. His fear became a reality. In 1919, a horrible massacre corrupted between the British and peaceful protesters. The Amritsar massacre killed 379 innocent people who were speaking against the British realm. Now, it was time to take action! After these humiliating years in India, England retreated from India. India was free! Everyone was happy. Well, almost anyone! Independence didn’t seem to please Gandhi. After this, he fasted (didn’t eat or drink). He did it to challenge India (the Hindus) and Pakistan (the Muslims) to stop fighting. There was no bloodshed, no massacres and no violence. This is truly what Gandhi wanted.
- The End of the Mahatma (“The Great Soul”) -
Mohandas Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu man named Matura Godse. Mahatma (Indian for “The Great Soul”) was dead.
- Keeping the Legacy Alive -
Even though Gandhi is no longer walks the Earth, his legacy is still alive. Gandhi was Martin Luther King Jr.’s role model. Many people still praise how he handled things. Even people today, still look up to Mahatma Gandhi. We will never forget the things he taught us all. Gandhi’s spirit lives on…
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