| During his stay in South Africa, Gandhiji's life underwent a change and he developed most of his political ideas. Gandhi’s emphasis on living a life of simplicity and truth has not only been a personal inspiration but also a guide for political action. His methods of Satyagraha—holding onto truth through non-violent resistance—transformed the approach to political and social campaigns, influencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.
and Nelson Mandela. Thoreau’s essay on civil disobedience, advocating for the refusal to obey unjust laws, resonated with Gandhi and influenced his actions. SatyagrahaSatyagraha, a term coined by Gandhi, combines the Sanskrit words for truth (satya) and holding firmly to (agraha). But British government dithered in its response and on August 8, 1942 Gandhiji gave the call for Quit India Movement.
It was during his time in South Africa that Gandhi experienced firsthand the discrimination and oppression faced by Indians and became determined to fight for their rights. While Gandhiji was in jail his wife Kasturbai passed away. Through his teachings of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi brought about significant political and social change during his time and continues to be a source of inspiration for activists and reformers today.
Accessed 21 Mar. 2024. Kaufman, Stuart J. Nationalist Passions. He promised an early realization of self Government in India. Accessed 21 Mar. 2024. Godrej, Farah.  Accessed 21 Mar. 2024. https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/legislativescrutiny/parliament-and-empire/collections1/collections2/1947-indian-independence-act/ Salla, Michael Emin. In the general elections held in Britain in 1945, Labour Party came to power, and Mr.Atlee became the Prime Minister.
It succeeded in undermining the moral authority of British rule in India and demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance. However, his efforts were met with opposition and ultimately led to his assassination in 1948. His methods of peaceful resistance have inspired countless individuals and movements, including Martin Luther King Jr. in the American civil rights movement and Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Gandhi in South AfricaMahatma Gandhi’s journey in South Africa began in 1893 when he was 24.
After the death of Gandhiji's father in 1885, a family suggested that if Gandhiji hoped to take his father's place in the state service he should become a barrister which he could do in England in three years. During his teenage years, Gandhi was heavily influenced by the works of Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer and philosopher who advocated for non-violent resistance against oppression.
Returning to India in 1891, Gandhi began practicing law but soon faced discrimination due to his ethnicity. He played a crucial role in shaping India's political landscape and promoting social justice. British Government wanted India's help in the war and Congress in return wanted a clear-cut promise of independence from British government.
In 1906, Gandhiji took a vow of absolute continence. Gandhi was instrumental in the discussions that led to Indian independence in 1947, although he was deeply pained by the partition that followed. Beyond leading India to freedom, Gandhi’s achievements include the promotion of religious and ethnic harmony, advocating for the rights of the Indian community in South Africa, and the establishment of ashrams that practiced self-sufficiency, truth, and non-violence.
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