Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Freedom Struggle
Mahatma Gandhi is, unarguably, one of the greatest men in the
history of India . The way he gave shape and character to India's
freedom struggle is worthy of a standing ovation. He sacrificed his
own life for the sake of his country. The respect that he earned
for himself despite leading a simple lifestyle is much appreciable.
Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle of
India. His non violent ways and peaceful methods were the
foundation for gaining independence from the British. Read about
Mahatma Gandhi's role in freedom struggle of India.
Mahatma Gandhi was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on 2nd October
at Porbandar located in Gujarat. He went off to South Africa after
marriage and worked as barrister there for twenty years. In South
Africa, he had his first brush with apartheid. Once while he was
traveling in a train, he was thrown out of the first class
compartment despite having a ticket. This made him swear that he
would do his best to erase apartheid from the face of his world. He
went back to India only to find that his own country was being
ruled by the British and his fellow citizens were being treated
harshly by the British.
Like other great men in history, Gandhi took his time to grow and
develop his techniques to ensure that his actions made an impact.
His faith in different religions was commendable. His listened to
the teachings of Christianity with the same belief and faith he
read the Hindu scriptures with. He was brutally honest and truthful
and this helped him throughout his life. Some of the major
movements and freedom struggles led by him are discussed below.
Non Co-operation
Movement
One of the first series of non violent protests nationwide was the
non cooperation movement started by Mahatma Gandhi. This movement
officially started the Gandhian era in India. In this freedom
struggle, the non cooperation movement was basically aimed at
making the Indians aware of the fact that the British government
can be opposed and if done actively, it will keep a check on them.
Thus, educational institutions were boycotted, foreign goods were
boycotted, and people let go off their nominated seats in
government institutions. Though the movement failed, Indians
awakened to the concept of going against the British.
Civil Disobedience
Movement
Gandhi again took off with another non violent movement known as
the civil disobedience movement. This movement was more active than
the non cooperation movement and brought about a revolution of
sorts. This movement aimed at bringing the British administration
to a stop by withdrawing support from everything. There was
agitation against land revenue, abolition of salt tax, cutting down
military expenditure, levying duty on foreign cloth, etc. A very
important movement was that of Salt Satyagraha where Gandhi
undertook the Dandi march as a protest against the Salt tax.
Quit India
Movement
The Quit India Movement was launched under the leadership of
Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942. The main aim for launching this
movement was to bring the British to negotiate with the Indian
leaders. It was a call for immediate independence of India and the
slogan of "Do or Die" was adopted for the same. However the leaders
were arrested soon after Gandhi's speech and were put in jail by
British officials. Gandhi went on a fast for 21 days demanding the
release of the leaders despite his failing health. The British had
to secure the release of the leaders.
India
Independence
After the Quit India Movement the freedom struggle got even more
intense and passionate. Entire India was united together in the
movement for freedom. Everyone contributed what they could in the
freedom struggle. The cry of Purna Swaraj or complete independence
was raised. After much sacrifices and efforts, India gained its
independence on the 15th August, 1947.
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