Mahatma Gandhi: Birthday, History, Significance

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Know About Mahatma Gandhi

One of the revered personalities of the world, Mahatma Gandhi, led the freedom movement of India. Mahatma Gandhi’s full name “Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi” is the “Father Of Nation”  who was born on 2nd October 1869, in Porbandar, India. He is honored for his huge contribution towards India’ Independence movement, and his philosophies towards life.

United Nations General Assembly on 15 June 2007 announced 2nd October is observed as Internation Day  Of Violence. 

On the birthday of Gandhi people celebrate with prayer services, commemorative ceremonies, and cultural events. These events are held in colleges, government offices, and social-political institutes. People sing his favorite song “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

Some Facts About Mahatma Gandhi

• The Sanskrit word Mahatma means a great soul. As per history books, poet and noble laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore gave the title “Mahatma” to Gandhi in 1915.
• “In October 1987 for the first time, a note of 500 rupees came with a photo of Gandhi Ji which was visible on the left side of the note. Later in every note, Gandhi Ji’s picture is being printed. The fact behind this is Gandhi Ji is a sign of unity and is considered a national symbol. Gandhi who received the title of Father Of Nation at that time was the face of the nation, hence the decision was taken on his name.”

“Gandhi’s was a creative resistance that acknowledges and also transcends past hurts”

Gandhian Philosophy

Gandhi: A Lesson For Contemporary Society

Mahatma Gandhi is like a candle as he enlightened the world. Mahatma Gandhi has five pillars-Nonviolence, Respect, Understanding, Acceptation, Appreciation, and Compassion are basic to our existence. These are simple habits. We should start to try to nurture these habits. His strong belief in humanity is reflected as, ” 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.”

Importance Of Gandhian Thoughts About Cleanliness

Our present prime minister Narendra Modi on 2 October 2014 launched a campaign Swach Bharat Abhiyan for increasing awareness about cleanliness. The concept of Swach Bharat Abhiyan is to provide sanitation facilities to every family including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness, and a safe and adequate drinking water supply. Modi said that Sach Bharat Abhiyan’s mission is beyond politics.

He asked people to pledge “Na Mai Gandagi Karunga Na Karne Dunga”.

Hindi Swaraj: Context And Content

Hindi Swaraj is the most seminal work of Gandhi Ji. It is an original contribution to political theory after Kautilya Arthshashtra. It is an alternative to feudalism, Marxism, and western-style democracy based on majority-ism. It is key to understanding Gandhi Ji’s life and philosophy.

India, Non-Violence, And Gandhi

Gandhi Ji’s reputation was as a spiritual and Indian political leader. He contributed and led a successful national struggle for the independence of India against British rule on the strength of Non- Violent movement. During returning of India from South Africa in 1915, he led three popular movements that eventually wore down the British government.

The Relevance Of Satyagrah In The 21st Century

The present scenario of the world is full of problems such as war, violence, injustice inequality, and terrorism. For resolving these problems Gandhi Ji has given the doctrine of Satyagrah, It is the soul force and best alternative to solve the problem.

Satyagrah implies accepting truth Vinoba says “Gandhi Ji taught us several things, but the most important part of Satygrah is Faith in truth in the whole of the conduct of life is Satyagrah. Control of body, speech, and mind is also satyagraha”

Frequently Asked Question

Question- When is Mahatma Gandhi born and where?
Answer- 2nd October 1869, Porbandar

Question- When is an international day of violence celebrated?
Answer- 2nd October

Question- What is the full name of Gandhi Ji?
Answer- Mohan Das Karama Chand Gandhi is the full name of Gandhi Ji.

Question- Who has honored Gandhi Ji with Mahatma?
Answer- Poet Ravindra Nath Tagore honored Gandhi Ji with the Mahatma during writing his autobiography.

Question- Which campaign is launched by Narendra Modi on 2nd October?
Answer- Our present prime minister Narendra Modi has launched Swach Bharat Campaign to raise awareness of cleaning to the people on 2nd October 2014.

Conclusion

The teaching of Mahatma Gandhi for maintaining peace, harmony, and non-violence are extremely relevant and important in modern-Day society. It is important to all of us to follow the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi to spread peace among people and be good human beings.

Disclaimer

This information about Gandhi Ji is just for knowledge purposes.

www.news18.com, www.gandhi.gov.in