Mahatma Gandhi has been the greatest man of modem times. He was the Father of the Nation. People called him Bapu (father) in love.
His full name was Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi. He was born on 2nd October, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. As a maker of modern India, he will ever be remembered.
His father was the Dewan of Rajkot. At the age of seven he went to school. But he was an average student. After matriculation he joined college.
Later he went to England to study law. He became a lawyer and returned to India. But he was not successful as a lawyer.
He went to Africa. There he fought for the rights of Indians. On his return to India, he joined Congress. Soon he became an important leader of the Congress.
Then he started non-cooperation movement against the British rule in India. He was a great devotee of ahinsa or non-violence. He struggled for the removal of untouchability.
He also did much to improve the lot of the women and weaker sections of the society. He was sent to jail many times. At last India won freedom on 15th August, 1947 under his prompt leadership.
Gandhiji was a saint-politician. His faith in God was firm and deep. He never told a lie. He advised people never to utter untruth. He was a great social reformer.
He was killed on 30th January 1948* He died in the cause of Hindu Muslim unity. His Samadhi at Raj ghat is visited by hundreds of people daily.