On 2 October 2019, the whole nation will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi; internationally this day is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence as Babu was the preacher of non-violence. He is a symbol of peace and truth.
Gandhiji was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, and is known as the Father of Nation because of his persistent paramount efforts for India's Independence.
He started the 'Satyagraha' (non-violence) movement for the Indian freedom struggle. He was the flag bearer in achieving independence for India from British rule. Besides, he proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of total non-violence.
Despite his death, Gandhi has become immortalized in our hearts as a hero of human rights and synonymous with the act of peaceful protest. He continues to inspire nonviolent human rights movements all around the world.
Mahatma Gandhi has been a subject of deep study in India and outside. In honor of Gandhi's legacy, find here some unknown facts about him:
Marriage at Early Age
Gandhi got married when he was just 13 years old to 14-year-old bride Kasturbain in 1882. Initially, the couple wasn't too fond of each other but with time they found common ground. The death of their first child made Gandhiji a strong opponent of child marriage.
Time Person of the Year
In 1930 Gandhi became has been distinguished with the "Time Person of the Year" title. That time, he was the first and only Indian (so far) to achieve that title.
Starting of Gandhi's Life as an activist
Very few people know that Gandhi got his start as an activist in South Africa, not India. When he was in South Africa after watching the bad condition of people, Gandhi begin campaigning for the civil rights of Indians in South Africa and came up with "Satyagraha", or nonviolent resistance. After returning to India, he did the same here.
Nominated for Nobel Peace prize
Mahatma Gandhi was a man of peace, but he never won the Nobel Peace Prize, although he was nominated 5 times for it- in 1937, 1938, 1939, and 1947. Even in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was selected for the prize, but he was assassinated before it was conferred to him.
Father of the Nation Title
The title "Father of the Nation" to Gandhiji was given by Subhas Chandra Bose on 6th July 1944 when the Indian National Army started its march to Delhi.
The Spiritual Wife
Once, Gandhiji fell for Saraladevi Choudhurani, Rabindranath Tagore's niece. He was highly attracted to her. He had written a letter to a friend telling her 'My Spiritual Wife.'
Gandhi's Image in Indian Rupees
Since1996, Mahatma Gandhi's image has appeared in all denominations of Indian rupees.
Road Names on Mahatma Gandhi
If we exclude the smaller ones, there are 53 major roads in India and 48 roads outside India that are named after Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi's Autobiography
Gandhi wrote his autobiography in Gujarati titled "An Autobiography of My Experiments With Truth". Later, Shri Mahadev Desai translated it into English. Harper Collins Publishers had declared this book as one of the '100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th Century'.
Friday Special
It may be a coincidence but notable that Gandhiji was born on Friday, India got its freedom on Friday, and he was assassinated on Friday.
