Mahatma Gandhi- The Father of India Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more

By Saumya Mishra

Mahatma Gandhi Biography: The Father of India | Life, Family, Legacy & More

Who is Mahatma Gandhi?

Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as the Father of the Nation, was a political and spiritual leader who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle against British rule. Born on October 2, 1869, he became the symbol of non-violence and peace across the globe.

Basic Information

  • Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

  • Famous Name: Mahatma Gandhi, Bapu

  • Date of Birth: October 2, 1869

  • Birthplace: Porbandar, Gujarat, British India

  • Death: January 30, 1948 (Assassinated in New Delhi)

  • Nationality: Indian

  • Occupation: Lawyer, Politician, Activist, Writer

  • Known For: Non-violent freedom movement, Civil disobedience

  • Religion: Hinduism

Physical Stats

  • Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)

  • Weight: Around 46 kg (101 lbs)

  • Eye Color: Black

  • Hair Color: Black (later grey/white)

Family and Personal Life

  • Father’s Name: Karamchand Gandhi (Dewan of Porbandar)

  • Mother’s Name: Putlibai Gandhi (A deeply religious woman)

  • Wife: Kasturba Gandhi (Married in 1883 when he was 13 years old)

  • Children: 4 Sons

    • Harilal Gandhi

    • Manilal Gandhi

    • Ramdas Gandhi

    • Devdas Gandhi

Gandhi had no girlfriend; his marriage was arranged in childhood as per Indian tradition at the time.

Education and Early Life

Gandhi was born in a modest family with strong religious values. He studied law in London (University College London) and became a barrister. His early legal practice in Bombay was unsuccessful, which led him to accept a job offer in South Africa—a turning point in his life.

Professional Life and Freedom Struggle

Early Activism in South Africa

While working in South Africa (1893–1915), Gandhi experienced racial discrimination, which led him to develop his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force)—nonviolent resistance.

Return to India and National Movement

Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi became a leader in the Indian National Congress. He led several movements such as:

  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)

  • Salt March / Dandi March (1930)

  • Quit India Movement (1942)

His peaceful resistance inspired millions and ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Principles and Philosophy

  • Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

  • Satyagraha (Truth and firmness)

  • Simple Living, High Thinking

  • Self-reliance and Khadi Movement

  • Religious tolerance and unity

Assassination and Legacy

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity.

Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire global movements for peace, civil rights, and social justice.

Interesting Facts About Mahatma Gandhi

  • He walked around 18 km per day during freedom movements.

  • Time magazine named him “Man of the Year” in 1930.

  • He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received it.

  • His birthday, October 2, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence.

  • Gandhi never accepted material luxury and lived a minimalist lifestyle.

Mahatma Gandhi's Books and Writings

  • My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography)

  • Hind Swaraj

  • Numerous articles in Young India and Harijan

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi remains one of the most influential leaders in world history. His ideals of truth, non-violence, equality, and freedom are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Remembering Gandhi is not just about history—it's about applying his timeless wisdom to modern life.

Here are more lesser-known and interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi, beyond the ones mentioned earlier.Lesser-Known & Interesting Facts About Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of India

1. Gandhi Was a Shy and Average Student

As a child, Gandhi was extremely shy and even afraid to speak in public. He once ran home from school to avoid talking to people. His transformation into a powerful orator and leader was gradual and profound.

2. He Was Once Thrown Out of a Train for Being Indian

One of the turning points in Gandhi’s life was being thrown out of a first-class train compartment in South Africa in 1893 because of his race—even though he had a valid ticket. This incident sparked his fight against racial injustice.

3. He Practiced Law in South Africa Before India

Many people think Gandhi started his career in India, but he actually spent 21 years in South Africa, where he began his journey as a civil rights activist.

4. He Spoke English with an Irish Accent

Gandhi learned English in London but was taught by Irish teachers, which gave him a slight Irish accent when speaking English.

5. He Was Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 5 Times

Despite being a global icon of peace, Gandhi never received the Nobel Peace Prize, even though he was nominated in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1947, and posthumously in 1948 (the prize was not awarded that year).

6. He Advocated for Animal Rights and Vegetarianism

Gandhi was a strict vegetarian and one of the early global advocates for animal rights. His commitment to non-violence extended to all living beings.

7. He Rejected Western Medicine

Gandhi preferred natural healing methods and often used mud packs, earth treatment, and Ayurvedic techniques over allopathic medicine, even for serious illnesses.

8. He Wrote Letters to Leo Tolstoy, Einstein, and Hitler

  • Maintained correspondence with Leo Tolstoy, who greatly influenced his thinking.

  • Albert Einstein admired Gandhi and exchanged letters with him.

  • Shockingly, he even wrote a plea for peace to Adolf Hitler in 1939, addressing him as "Dear Friend."

9. He Was Obsessed with Time Management

Gandhi was extremely punctual and believed “wasting time is a form of violence.” He followed a strict daily routine, down to the minute.

10. He Was a Fan of Charles Dickens

During his time in London, Gandhi read many English classics and was a big fan of authors like Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy, whose books influenced his thoughts on society and justice.

11. He Edited Multiple Newspapers

Gandhi was the editor of several influential publications, including:

  • Indian Opinion (South Africa)

  • Young India

  • Harijan

12. He Was a Supporter of Handloom and Village Industries

To promote self-reliance, Gandhi emphasized Khadi (hand-spun cloth) and rural industries. He even spun his own yarn daily on the charkha.

13. He Lived in a Commune-Like Ashram

Gandhi founded several ashrams, including Sabarmati Ashram and Sevagram Ashram, where he lived with followers in a self-sustaining and spiritually focused lifestyle.

14. He Took a Vow of Celibacy (Brahmacharya) at Age 37

In pursuit of spiritual growth, Gandhi took a vow of brahmacharya (celibacy) in 1906, even though he was married.

15. Gandhi Walked Over 240 Miles in the Salt March

In 1930, at the age of 61, Gandhi led the Dandi Salt March, walking 240 miles over 24 days to protest British salt laws.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Former Deputy Prime Minister of India Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more,

By Saumya Mishra
Biography of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Former Deputy Prime Minister of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the "Iron Man of India," was a key figure in India's struggle for independence and the subsequent unification of the country. Renowned for his leadership, diplomacy, and administrative acumen, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. Personal Information Full Name : Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel Birth Date : October 31, 1875 Birth Place : Nadiad, Gujarat, India Death Date : December 15, 1950 Age at Death : 75 years Nationality : Indian Height : 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) Weight : Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs) Eye Color : Black Hair Color : Black (later gray with age) Family Details Father : Jhaverbhai Patel (a farmer) Mother : Ladbai Patel (a deeply religious woman) Wife : Jhaverba Patel (passed away in 1909) Children : Maniben Patel (daughter) Dahyabhai Patel (son) Early Life and Education Sardar Patel was born into a hu...
Read more