New Delhi, October 2: Mahatma Gandhi, full name -Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as the "Father of the Nation" in India, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, in Gujarat state of India. Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, writer, journalist and much more. From a young lawyer in South Africa to becoming the leader of the nationalist movement against the British Raj in India, Gandhi's story of personal growth and "his experiments with truth" serve as an example for people all over the world. Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent protest called satyagraha. 

Though Gandhi was sent to London to study law, he immersed himself in questions of morality and religion. The topic of vegeterianism was very close to Gandhi, and he tried to experiment with his diet and lifestyle while in London.

Gandhi's Time in South Africa

In South Africa, Gandhi emerged as a political and social activist. It was there that he was thrown out of a first-class railway compartment and experienced racism. There he fought for the cause of the  Natal Indians’ grievances and leading publications of the day had to take note of it.

Return to India

Gandhi returned to India in January, 1915. Inspired by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Gandhi tried to take up the cause of India's freedom. However, it was after 1920s that Gandhi emerged as the leader of the national struggle. His writings and speeches made a strong case for India's freedom struggle and inspired the masses. Finally, India achieved independence on August 15, 1947 and Gandhi played perhaps the most pivotal role in it. Gandhi's journey from that of an ordinary lawyer to an extraordinary human being and leader is also the story of last few decades of India's struggle for freedom, which has left a rich legacy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2019 11:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).