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Gandhi Before India: Exploring the Formative Years of the Mahatma

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Gandhi Before India

by Ramachandra Guha

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	689 pages

A Young Mohandas Gandhi In South Africa Gandhi Before India Ramachandra Guha

Mohandas Gandhi in his younger years, before his journey to India and his rise as the leader of the Indian independence movement. ( Wikipedia)

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience has inspired countless people around the world. But before Gandhi became the Mahatma, he was a young man searching for his purpose in life. In his book "Gandhi Before India," Ramachandra Guha explores the formative years of the Mahatma, from his childhood in Porbandar, India, to his experiences in South Africa.

Early Life and Education

Mohandas Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a small town in Gujarat, India. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was a government official, and his mother, Putlibai, was a devout Hindu. Gandhi was a shy and introverted child, but he was also a bright and curious student.

In 1888, Gandhi traveled to England to study law. He struggled at first, but he eventually graduated from the University of London in 1891. After returning to India, Gandhi worked as a lawyer for several years before traveling to South Africa in 1893.

Experiences in South Africa

Gandhi's experiences in South Africa were transformative. He faced discrimination and racism firsthand, and he began to develop his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. In 1906, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress, an organization that fought for the rights of Indian immigrants in South Africa.

Gandhi's nonviolent resistance campaign, known as Satyagraha, was successful in winning some concessions from the South African government. However, Gandhi was also arrested and imprisoned several times. In 1914, Gandhi returned to India, where he would continue his fight for independence from British rule.

The Making of the Mahatma

Gandhi's experiences in South Africa shaped him into the leader he would become. He learned the importance of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, and he developed a deep understanding of the plight of the poor and oppressed. Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha would become the foundation of the Indian independence movement.

In India, Gandhi led the Indian National Congress, which became the largest political organization in the country. He organized nonviolent protests against British rule, and he called for India's independence. In 1947, India finally achieved independence, and Gandhi became a national hero.

Gandhi's formative years were a time of great change and growth. He traveled the world, experienced discrimination and racism, and developed his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. These experiences shaped him into the leader he would become, and they laid the foundation for India's independence.

Ramachandra Guha's book "Gandhi Before India" provides a fascinating insight into the formative years of the Mahatma. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Gandhi's life and legacy.

Gandhi Before India

by Ramachandra Guha

4.5 out of 5