Mohandas Gandhi and Indian Independence Do Now: What is fasting? Why do people do it?

Accomplishments Born October 2, 1869 - died January 30 1948 Major political and spiritual leader of India Leader of the Indian Independence movement Believed in Satyagraha, philosophy based on truth and non-violent resistance This philosophy was the way India gained independence Inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world

Philosophy Truth could only be attained through ahimsa (non-violence, love) and brahmacharya (celibacy, striving towards God). He was imprisoned numerous times in both South Africa and India. Gandhi practiced non- violence and truth, in all situations.

Philosophy He lived simply, organizing an ashram that was self-sufficient in its needs. Made his own clothes – dhoti and shawl woven Vegetarian diet. He underwent long fasts, for both self- purification and protest.

Homespun Gandhi encouraged Indians to be self sufficient He believed the less dependent upon the British the more likely they were to gain their independence

Peaceful Protest Britain instituted a new tax on Salt. March 12 to April 6, 1930 Gandhi and his followers launched a peaceful protest The Salt March lasted for 248 miles from Ahmedabad to Dandi Thousands of Indians joined on this march to the sea. This campaign was one of his most successful at upsetting British rule Britain responded by imprisoning over 60,000 people.

Return to Britain 1931 goes to London to discuss: Independence Freedom for political prisoners Signs the Gandhi-Irwin pact that halts civil disobedience in March 1931

Independence Independence would be granted in 1947 Mohammed Ali Jinnah, leader of Indian Muslims, wanted separate Muslim countries from India The British India colony would be divided by religion in the Partition of India Three separate regions are formed: East Pakistan (Muslim) India (Hindu) West Pakistan (Muslim)

Assassination On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was shot and killed while having his nightly public walk The assassin, Nathuram Godse, was a radical Hindu Godse held Gandi responsible for weakening India Godse and his co- conspirator Naravan Apte were later tried, convicted; they were executed on November 15, 1949 Gandhi’s last words were "Oh God".

India Grieves Jawaharlal Nehru radio address: “Friends and comrades, the light has gone out of our lives, and there is darkness everywhere, and I do not quite know what to tell you or how to say it. Our beloved leader, Bapu as we called him, the father of the nation, is no more. Perhaps I am wrong to say that; nevertheless, we will not see him again, as we have seen him for these many years, we will not run to him for advice or seek solace from him, and that is a terrible blow, not only for me, but for millions and millions in this country.” Why was Gandhi's death a terrible blow to India?

The Legacy The legacy of Gandhi lives on. He has influenced such leaders as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Both of these leaders have used his principles of civil disobedience as a way to enact change.