Early Life and Education:
* Born: October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, British India
* Family: Born into a wealthy merchant family; his father was the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Porbandar.
* Education: Studied law at the Inner Temple in London, but was not a successful lawyer in India.
Early Activism and South Africa:
* First Activism: Gandhi's activism started with the fight against discrimination faced by Indians in South Africa. He led peaceful protests against discriminatory laws and established the Natal Indian Congress.
* "Satyagraha": Gandhi developed the philosophy of "Satyagraha" - the use of non-violent civil disobedience and resistance to achieve political and social change.
* South African Successes: His Satyagraha campaigns led to several concessions from the South African government, including the right to vote for Indians.
Return to India and the Indian Independence Movement:
* Return: Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and quickly became a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress.
* Non-Cooperation Movement: He launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), urging Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
* Salt Satyagraha (1930): His most famous campaign, the Salt Satyagraha, saw him lead thousands on a march to the sea to make salt, defying the British salt tax.
* Quit India Movement (1942): A call for complete independence from British rule.
Later Years and Legacy:
* Partition of India: Gandhi opposed the partition of India and Pakistan, fearing it would lead to violence.
* Assassination: He was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by a Hindu extremist who opposed his stand for Muslim rights.
* Legacy: Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance has inspired movements for social justice and independence around the world. He is recognized as one of the most important figures of the 20th century, a champion of human rights and peace.
Key Beliefs and Practices:
* Ahimsa (non-violence): Gandhi believed in the power of love and non-violence to overcome hate and injustice.
* Satya (truth): He emphasized the importance of truthfulness and integrity in all aspects of life.
* Self-reliance and Simplicity: Gandhi advocated for self-sufficiency and a simple life free from material possessions.
Gandhi's legacy continues to be relevant today. He remains a powerful symbol of hope and an inspiration for those who seek to build a more just and peaceful world.
Note: This is a condensed biography. For a more detailed account, refer to biographies like "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" by Mahatma Gandhi, or other academic works on his life and philosophy.