Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement against British rule. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or 'Satyagraha', not only reshaped the political landscape of India but also had a profound impact on civil rights movements worldwide.

Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement against British rule. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or 'Satyagraha', not only reshaped the political landscape of India but also had a profound impact on civil rights movements worldwide.

Early Life and Education:

• Gandhi studied law in London, where he was influenced by various social, political, and philosophical ideas, including those from Henry David Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience."
• He initially practiced law in South Africa, where he experienced racial discrimination firsthand, which shaped his resolve to fight injustice.

Philosophy and Methods:

• Satyagraha: Literally meaning "truth-force" or "holding onto truth," this was Gandhi's method of nonviolent resistance. It involved passive resistance to achieve social and political change without resorting to violence.
• Ahimsa: The principle of non-violence was central to Gandhi's life and actions. He believed in the power of love and compassion to overcome oppression.
• Self-sufficiency: Gandhi advocated for economic independence through the promotion of local industries, especially the spinning wheel (charkha) for home-spun cloth, which became a symbol of resistance against British textile imports.

Key Movements and Contributions:

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Gandhi urged Indians to boycott British goods, government institutions, and courts. This was one of the first mass movements aimed at undermining British authority.
• Salt March (1930): Perhaps his most famous act of civil disobedience, where he led a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to make salt, protesting the British monopoly on salt production.
• Quit India Movement (1942): A call for the immediate withdrawal of British rule from India, marked by widespread civil unrest.

Views on Society:

• Gandhi was not just a political leader but also a social reformer. He campaigned against untouchability, promoting the inclusion of the lower castes, which he called 'Harijans' or 'Children of God.'
• His views on women's rights were progressive for his time, advocating for their education and participation in public life.

Legacy:

• Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse was a shock to the nation, but his ideals lived on. India and the world continue to honor his memory each year on Gandhi Jayanti.
• His methods inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela in their struggles against racial segregation and apartheid, respectively.
• Gandhi's image and philosophy are often invoked in discussions on peace, non-violence, and social justice globally.

Gandhi remains a complex figure; his life philosophy, while inspiring, has also been critiqued for various reasons, including his views on caste and his personal life decisions. Nonetheless, his legacy as a champion of non-violent protest continues to influence movements for change worldwide.