From Gandhi to Bapu to Mahatma
How does one introduce Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi? As one of the most charismatic leaders of modern India? An epitome of non-violence, a half-naked saint, a messiah of the poor, a 'mahatma' (a title he detested) or a spiritual seeker?
Any such singular epithet would be a narrow understanding of his personality. In Gandhi’s words, his life was a quest for truth.
Gandhi was born in an influential Baniya family at Porbandar on October 2, 1869. His father and grandfather had been prime ministers in several Kathiawad states. He was the youngest of six children to Karamchand and Putlibai, and married Kasturba at the age of 13.
As a child, Gandhi was restless and inquisitive. An average student, he sought comfort in books and hated sports. He childishly thought of committing suicide after he failed to buy a cigarette. However, with each experiment, he learnt a lesson and made amends for his actions. He was once fined for being late to school, even though he gave a genuine reason. Anguished, he proved his innocence and succeeded in getting the fine remitted. The incident is a fine example of his stand for truth.
His fight for India’s freedom, struggles in South Africa, experiments with Satyagraha and non-cooperation were just milestones in his search for truth. Gandhi’s idea of non-violence resonated among the masses. He taught people the doctrine of Satyagraha, not as a passive submission to evil but as an active and positive instrument for the peaceful solution of all kinds of differences. People started believing that the British could be challenged even without raising a finger or firing a bullet.
His Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942) were instrumental in weakening the British control over India, and ultimately, paved the way for Independence in 1947.
Though his ideas were often ridiculed as pusillanimous and appeasement by many, Gandhi was steadfast. The Non-Cooperation Movement was a watershed moment and people believed freedom was imminent. However, Gandhi didn’t think twice before calling it off after violence erupted in Chauri Chaura. This resolve towards peaceful means kept him at loggerheads with extremist leaders, such as Bhagat Singh, Gokhale, Tilak and Subhas Chandra Bose. However, all of them respected him for his impact on the masses. The title of Bapu was given to him by Bose in recognition of his importance as a symbol of nationalism.
Gandhi also inspired people all over the world. South African leader Nelson Madela, US civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr and Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi followed his methods and achieved success. Martin Luther King Jr had even installed a portrait of Gandhi in his office.
How was he successful in connecting with people? Why were his ideas easily accepted? What makes him a Mahatma? His ideas of non-violence, Satyagraha, tolerance and pacifism resonated among Indians. Indian culture always advocated for Ahimsa. Our scriptures promoted the concepts of ‘Ahimsa parmodharma’ and ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’. Gandhi understood the innate tolerant nature of an Indian and his/her belief in peaceful coexistence and used it as a tool to achieve Independence.
Tragically, Gandhi’s remarkable life ended with final words ‘Hey Ram’ on January 30, 1948, after Nathuram Godse assassinated. In today’s conflict-ridden world, his ideas are more relevant than ever. In India, Gandhi can never be separated from an Indian and vice-versa.
