MAHATMA GANDHI (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The nation pays homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary.

Mahatma Gandhi

• Early Life: Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, 
• Title: Mahatma and Father of the Nation.
• South Africa Years: Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa, fighting for Indian rights and opposing racial discrimination, earning the title "Mahatma."
• Natal India Congress and Protests: Founded Natal India Congress in 1894 and protested against restrictions on Indian trade, movement, and residence in the Transvaal, burning registration certificates.
• Contribution to National Movement
• Champaran Movement: Situated in Bihar, was orchestrated by Gandhi as a form of civil disobedience. Its aim was to compel the British authorities to accede to the demands of farmers who were coerced into cultivating Indigo. 
• Kheda Movement: This movement advocated for the non-payment of taxes and enforced a social boycott of revenue officials.
• Ahmedabad Mill Strike: It was spearheaded by Gandhi against mill owners. The primary grievance centered around the issue of a plague bonus for workers. Ultimately, the strike culminated in a 35% wage increase for the laborers.
• Khilafat Movement (1919): Played a key role in uniting the nation during the Khilafat Movement, preventing British attempts to divide on religious lines.
• Non-cooperation Movement (1920): Advocated non-cooperation as the path to Independence, setting the goal of Swaraj or self-governance.
• 'Unity' Fast (1924): Undertook a 21-day fast to ease Hindu-Muslim tensions, promoting unity.
• Dandi March: Led the 388-kilometer Dandi March against the salt tax, marking the start of the civil disobedience movement.
• Quit India Movement: Led the Quit India Movement in 1942 with the slogan "Do or Die" against British rule and India's involvement in World War II.