Mahatma Gandhi is considered to be the backbone of the Indian Freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi made non-violence his weapon against the British Rule. Once Gandhi said, “The strongest physical force bends before moral force when used in the defence of truth.” He exhibited great patience in fighting against the cruel British Raaj. Every year his birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. This year will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. For his contribution to the India freedom struggle he is also known as  "Father of The Nation".

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi and Bapu was born as October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. He was married to Kasturba Gandhi at an age of 14 years. Gandhi at an age of 23 became aware of the plight of downtrodden when he was in South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi Quotes: Wish Happy Gandhi Jayanti 2018 With These Inspirational Sayings By The 'Father of The Nation’.

He faced discrimination because of his skin colour and heritage, like all people of colour. He was not allowed to sit with European passengers in the stagecoach and told to sit on the floor near the driver, then beaten when he refused. He was also thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg after refusing to leave the first-class. Bapu spent 21 years in South Africa, where he developed his political views, ethics and politics.

After returning to India in 1915, he jumped into the freedom struggle and converted it into a mass movement. Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress and was introduced to Indian issues, politics and the Indian people by Gopal Krishan Gokhale. Gandhi Jayanti 2019 Date and Significance: Why and How Is Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary Celebrated on October 2?

Here are some important movements launched by Gandhi:

Champaran Agitation: Champaran Satyagrah was launched in 1917. It was a farmer's uprising that took place in Champaran district of Bihar. The farmers were protesting against to grow indigo with barely any payment for it. Gandhi was arrested by police on the charge of creating unrest and was ordered to leave the province.

Khilafat Movement: To boost Hindu-Muslim unity, Gandhi supported Khilafat movement. The movement in India, popularly known as the Indian Muslim movement, was a pan-Islamist political protest campaign launched by Muslims of British India during 1919-24. The movement was led by Shaukat Ali, Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Abul Kalam Azad in India and aimed to restore the caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate, believed to be the leader of Sunni Muslims.  It was Gandhi and the Khilafat leaders who promised to work and fight together for the causes of Khilafat and Swaraj.

Non Co-Operation Movement: Gandhi started Non-Cooperation movement in 1920 to protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. It was peaceful agitation started by Bapu.  The movement started to gain momentum with the passage of everyday. People boycotted the products and establishments of British government including schools, colleges, government offices. But, the movement was called off by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident,  In the violence erupted at Chauri Chaura, 23 police officials were killed. Gandhi Jayanti 150th Birth Anniversary: From Ben Kingsley to Naseeruddin Shah – Actors Who Have Played Mahatma Gandhi’s Role in Films.

Civil Disobedience Movement: Mahatma Gandhi started Civil Disobedience Movement on March 12, 1930 to defy British laws. He set out from Sabarmati with 78 followers to defy laws set by the British government. The 241-mile Dandi March continued till April 6, 1930.  The main aim of the march was to protest against the British salt monopoly .

Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement was a movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8 1942, during World War II, demanding an end to British Rule of India, under which the country was grappling for nearly two centuries. After Gandhi's 'Do or Die' Speech, the British government tried to suppress the movement by arresting the Congress leaders. On August 9, 1942, Congress passed the resolution called “Quit India Movement”. The aim of the movement was to put pressure on British troops so that they withdraw from the country.

Mahatma Gandhi not only led the freedom struggle, but also worked against various social evils like casteism, untouchability and inequality. In 1932, Gandhi began a new campaign to improve the lives of the untouchables. He used the term ‘Harijans’ for the scheduled caste people and also launched the Harijan movement. On 15 June 2007, The United Nations adopted a resolution to celebrate October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2019 01:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).