Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Gandhi

One of the greatest humanitarians and peace activists is without doubt Mohandas Karamchand. But the world knows him as Gandhi. Having a great ability to lead, he led many successful acts of peaceful civil disobedience. “Christ gave us the goals, and Gandhi, the tactics” (King). Gandhi is a hero because of his acts of selflessness and perseverance.

Gandhi has accomplished a lot and deserves the title of “hero”. Gandhi was the fourth child of a prime minister. Arranged by their parents he married at the age of 13 due to tradition. He then studied in London to become a lawyer. In 1914 Gandhi led a campaign against India’s discriminatory policies. He attempted to rid India of its infamous social status structure. In 1920 Gandhi stepped up his game leading India to independence from British control peacefully. In 1930 Gandhi led what became his most famous act of peaceful disobedience, the great salt march, in an act to defy the British Empire. On the fateful day of January 24 1948 Gandhi was assassinated while on his way to a prayer meeting. Gandhi has done more in his lifetime than we could ever imagine.

One of Gandhi’s heroic traits is being selfless. “Gandhi lived a simple life giving up all signs of wealth and success to the less fortunate” (Mahatma). Gandhi loved his simple life and did not care about what he looked like or what others thought of him. He showed the world that having fancy possessions, wealth or luxurious things in life. “Gandhi wanted to get rid of the caste system. A system in which you are born into a pre-determined social status.” (Lebra). Gandhi wanted everyone to have a chance to create their own social status and be equal. Born as the son of a prime minister he received a good social status. This shows Gandhi not caring that he wants everyone to be equal even at the expense of him losing his high social status. Gandhi lived a simple life of his choice and loved it.

Gandhi’s perseverance is another reason I think he is a hero. “In order to stop his own peaceful protest from getting out of hand Gandhi fasted. For 21 days Gandhi ate salt and drank water (Mahatma). This shows Gandhi will keep going until his requirements are met. He wouldn’t care how long it took to get his way. “Beaten by the police as a public demonstration to India what would happen if anyone else attempted to break more laws. However Gandhi continued to defy the British even after each time beaten” (Gandhi). Physical beatings did not discourage Gandhi to do what was right. He had the knowledge that he would be beaten yet he still did it. Gandhi never gave up even in hard times.

Gandhi’s strong leadership is shown through his strong leadership. “Although he held no governmental position he was the prime mover in a struggle for independence.” (Lebra Joyce). Without any power Gandhi led the second biggest nation in the world towards independence. He gained the trust of 90% of India to support his cause. “After Gandhi’s arrest his followers resorted to acts of violence. This was something Gandhi wanted no part of. Gandhi began his second fast urging his followers not to resort to such tactics and they obeyed” (Gandhi). This shows the control he had over his followers so things could not get out of hand. Gandhi a leader, a humanitarian, and a hero.