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Gandhi

by Carre from Villeurbanne, Rhône Alpes in France

The famous Gandhi, sometimes called Mahatma ("The Great Soul"), was one of the most important leaders in the freedom fight in India. He fought for a non-violent way of revolution. He was born in 1869, October 2, in India. His father, the son of a rich family of traders, was the chief minister of Porbandar. He studied in England to become a barrister.

From 1893 to 1914, he fought for civil rights in South Africa. He wanted to fight against discrimination directed against black-skinned people and Indian people in that country. During the time spent in South Africa, he often was a victim from racism because he wasn't a white-skinned person. This was a turning point in his life, which led him to fight against injustice in the world, especially injustice against Indians.

From 1916 to 1945, he fought for Indian independence and for Indian rights, such as the full citizenship, freedoms and equal rights for Indians the same as it was for Europeans. He spoke at the conventions of the Indian National Congress and was one of the most respected leaders of the group. Whereas he acted as an English citizen and supported the British effort during the First World War, after 1945, Gandhi decided to express his wish for the independence of India.

During the Second World War, Gandhi declared that India could not be party to a war being fought for democratic freedom while that freedom was denied in India herself. Gandhi increased his demands for independence of India, and finally decided for the British to quit India. This was the biggest movement in the history of the independence of India. There were lots of arrests and violence, which was the opposite of the wish of Gandhi. Gandhi also fought against the partition of India between Muslim and Hindus, and he is known by the fact he could stop a fight between the two communities by just being there.

Gandhi was murdered in 1948, the 10th of January, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist. I choose Gandhi as my hero because I think he's a model of peace. He fought for peace, but without any violence. He represents pacifism, but without any fatalism; action, without reaction; and in my mind, it's the only way to solve the problems in the world and guarantee peace. In my opinion, Gandhi is the symbol of the quiet strength, and I think things can evolve if we act like him instead of losing energy in reactions. Like a lot of people who are on the right path, Gandhi disturbed other people, and it's a shame he was murdered.

Page created on 5/22/2006 4:30:28 PM

Last edited 5/22/2006 4:30:28 PM

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