On October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, the great advocate of nonviolence and peace, Mahatma Gandhi was born. Thirteen years old, he wed Kasturba. At London’s Inner Temple, he completed his legal education. He travelled to South Africa in 1893 to take up an Indian merchant’s legal matter. There he spent twenty-one years. In South Africa, he experienced nonviolent resistance for the first time in a civil rights movement. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, a mere five months and fifteen days after India won its freedom from British rule. 30 January is commemorated as Gandhi’s martyrdom day. Just five months and fifteen days after India won its freedom from British rule in 1948, Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi. After his return to India in 1915, he started organising farmers and urban workers to fight prejudice. He started nonviolent protests against British colonial control and the Satyagraha. The civil rights movements were greatly impacted by his peaceful approach and capacity to win people over with love and tolerance. In addition to dedicating his life to the cause of India’s freedom, he spearheaded a national campaign opposing poverty and untouchability. In addition, he supported women’s rights. On January 30, 1948, Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse shot him three times in the chest as he was ready to speak at an evening prayer meeting with his granddaughters at Birla House in Delhi at approximately 5:17 PM. Records state that he passed away instantly. October 2nd, his birthday, is honoured globally as the International Day of Nonviolence.
