Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who became the leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India. As such, he came to be considered the father of our nation… Gandhi is internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest to achieve political and social progress. Gandhiji practiced what he preached and that’s why his life was the message..
In the initial days, when everyone praised him for whatever he did for the country, I never really understood why? Like many, I was also a child who didn’t believe in just words and sayings of the world. I never accepted anything without actually understanding and realizing. As a young pupil, I tried to find answers to my questions. And in that process, I realized the greatness of the father of our nation ! MAHATMA as everyone referred to him!
Mahatma means ‘Great soul’. Being a person who gave up his career as a barrister, adopted the simplest of lived for the welfare of the people and for the Independence of India, the title of Mahatma was bestowed on Gandhi by Rabindranath Tagore for his contributions towards the nation.
“I claim to be no more than an average man with less than average abilities.
I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith”
These words by Gandhiji inspire me to achieve and push me towards believing in being the change I want to see in the world.
As a little girl, I discovered the eye opening philosophies of the great man. Thanks to my school Silver Oaks International School which introduced me to the 5 Mantras Of Mahatma:
- Swaraj– Gandhi’s swaraj meant more than political independence. The path to swaraj is through self control and fearlessness.
- Swadesh– Mahatma’s vision of a free india was not a nation state, but a confederation of self governing, self reliant, self employed people.
- Swadharma– It is that soul duty of individuals which transcends beyond the day to day duties.
- Satyagraha– The power of truth. It is the practical extension of ahimsa and love; it means standing firmly behind one’s ideals, but without hatred.
- Sarvodaya– Spiritual polestar of mahatma. According to Gandhiji, Personal goals and prosperity should also include public welfare and development. Sarvodaya stands for universal welfare.
Mahatma Gandhi was a man of honesty, simplicity and was a weapon of non violence. He was frail, yet nimble.
It was on 2nd October 1869 when Gandhi entered the world. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, let us join our hands together and remember him forever.
Megha's Mind Curls 