“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty”, said Gandhiji.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi, as he is popularly known was born on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar (Gujarat). Gandhiji played a vital role in our freedom struggle. Ahimsa (non-violence) and truth were his weapons.
He was imprisoned several times for his attempts to free India from the bondage of British, yet he never gave up. He proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence. He was greatly influenced by the teachings of David Thoreau, who was the first person to practice Civil Disobedience Movement by refusing to pay taxes as a result of which he was jailed.
His values and priniciples are timeless for students of the modern India.
Ashni Hundiwala a Std. IX student of Pallavi Model School says, “Gandhiji has made a great difference in everybody's life, sacrificing his own life to liberate India”. Antara adds, “Gandhiji taught us many things about living. Any book about Gandhiji is bound to attract my attention.”
Beyond the seas
And his philosophy surely moves beyond borders, so does his popularity. The United Nations General Assembly announced on June 15, 2007 that October 2 will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. Time Magazine , named Mahatma Gandhi the Man of the Year in 1930. Henry Ford was one of the ardent admirers of Gandhiji. He even received an autographed charka from Gandhiji. Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times.
His teachings are promoted even today to avoid violence and find peaceful solutions to conflicts. Ashni Hundiwala adds, “I learnt to be patient, kind and honest from Gandhiji's teachings." Gandhiji still continues to inspire us and make us better human beings.
