5 Mahatma Gandhi Facts Everyone Should Know
Gajendra Singh Godara
Oct 2, 2025
10
mins read
Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1869, was a leader of the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of non-violent resistance. He is affectionately known as Bapu and the Father of the Nation. Gandhi’s use of satyagraha (nonviolent protest) and civil disobedience eventually led India to freedom and influenced civil rights struggles around the world.
“Mahatma” is a Title, Not His Birth Name: Gandhi was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The honorific Mahatma (from Sanskrit, meaning “great” or “venerable”) was first applied to him in 1914 by a friend in South Africa. In India he is also called Bapu (meaning “father”).
Early Marriage and Vows of Celibacy: In 1883 Gandhi entered an arranged marriage with 14-year-old Kasturbai Kapadia. They had five children, including four sons. In 1906 Gandhi took a lifelong vow of brahmacharya (celibacy). These early family responsibilities shaped his views on duty and self-discipline.
Civil Rights Activist in South Africa: Before rising to fame in India, Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa (1893–1914). There, he faced direct racial discrimination including being thrown out of a train and responded by founding the Natal Indian Congress to organize the Indian community. He launched his first Satyagraha campaigns against anti-Indian laws, established the Indian Opinion newspaper, and founded communal settlements like Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm to unite activists. During the Boer War he even formed an Indian Ambulance Corps to aid wounded British soldiers. He was the
The power of Khadi and Simple Dress: In 1921 Gandhi began wearing only a coarse homespun dhoti and shawl, discarding Western attire. This deliberate choice helped popularize the Khadi movement: it encouraged Indians to boycott British textiles and embrace self-reliance. His modest clothing became a powerful symbol of India’s grassroots movement for self-rule.
Nobel Peace Prize: The Great Omission: He was globally revered for his nonviolent efforts, and was nominated for five times, yet he never received the Nobel Peace Prize. (The Nobel committee later called this omission a profound oversight.)
Each of these facts offers a memorable glimpse into Gandhi’s life. Together they show not just his achievements, but also surprising personal stories that can make exam answers more engaging.
Born: October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat (named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi).
Education: Studied law in London (Inner Temple) in 1888–1891, then briefly practiced in India.
South Africa (1893–1914): Worked as a lawyer and experienced racial prejudice, which led him to organize nonviolent resistance (for example, being thrown off a train). He also led an Indian Ambulance Corps during the Boer War.
Return to India (1915): He was the freedom fighter who led India’s freedom struggle. He led nationwide campaigns through the Indian National Congress, including the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Salt March (1930), and Quit India (1942).
Social Reforms: Championed women’s rights, worked to abolish untouchability, and promoted self-reliance (Khadi movement).
Lifestyle: Lived simply wearing a homespun dhoti, practicing vegetarianism, and undertaking long fasts for reflection and protest.
Letters to Adolf Hitler. In 1939 and 1940 Gandhi wrote letters to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler pleading to avoid war. He signed them “Your sincere friend” and began “Dear Friend,” but neither letter was delivered.
Philosophical Anarchist: Gandhi sometimes described himself as a philosophical anarchist. He envisioned an India where people govern themselves through moral discipline, without a formal government structure.
Strict Dietary Experiments: A lifelong vegetarian, Gandhi rigorously experimented with diet and fasting. Early on he even avoided all milk products, later resuming goat’s milk for health. He once traveled with a goat so he could have fresh goat’s milk during his journeys.
Global Honors: His influence is recognized worldwide. The United Nations declared October 2 (his birthday) the International Day of Non-violence. Time magazine named him its Person of the Year in 1930 and later ranked him the 2nd most important man of the 20th century (after Einstein). He inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela with his principles.
“Harijans” and Social Labels: To uplift India’s lowest castes, Gandhi called untouchables “Harijans” (children of God) and fought for their fair treatment. This term is less used today but was once a radical effort to challenge social norms.
These lesser-known facts deepen our understanding of Gandhi. They show a man who thought and acted far beyond his own time and nation.
Since 2007, the United Nations marks October 2 Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence, celebrating his philosophy of peaceful resistance and universal dialogue. The day aims to spread the message of non-violence through educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns, reflecting Gandhi’s belief that peace and tolerance are powerful forces for social change.
In 2025, amidst global conflicts and unrest, this observance has gained renewed relevance, prompting worldwide events and discussions on peace-building, conflict resolution, and conciliation. By honoring Gandhi’s teachings, the International Day of Non-Violence calls upon individuals and nations to reject violence and build bridges of understanding, reaffirming non-violence as a cornerstone of human progress and justice.
Lifestyle & Simplicity: Gandhi practiced exactly what he preached. He lived frugally in an ashram, spent hours spinning cotton for Khadi, and often fasted to purify body and mind. His autobiography is famously titled The Story of My Experiments with Truth, reflecting his commitment to living transparently. He promoted simple living long before it was a global trend.
Global Influence: Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance influenced many freedom struggles. Martin Luther King Jr. called Gandhi “the little brown saint” and said Gandhi provided tactics for the US civil rights movement. Nelson Mandela and others in South Africa regarded Gandhi as a spiritual predecessor. The “Children of Gandhi” around the world include MLK, Cesar Chavez, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Desmond Tutu.
Social Reforms: Beyond independence, Gandhi championed social causes. He worked to end untouchability, supported women’s education and rights (urging women to spin the charkha and join movements), and promoted communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. The Khadi hand-spinning movement he led became a symbol of India’s unity and self-sufficiency.
Writings and Legacy: Gandhi was a prolific writer and communicator. He edited newspapers (like Young India and Navajivan), published many books (including Hind Swaraj), and left behind thousands of letters and speeches. His collected works fill over 50,000 pages. He is commemorated on Indian currency notes and has museums and statues in his honor worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q. What are some interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi?
A. He was born Mohandas in 1869, married at 13, fought racial injustice in South Africa, and led India’s 1930 Salt March (Dandi Yatra).
Q. Name 5 interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi.
A. He was born Mohandas (1869), married at 13, led the Salt March, wrote “Dear Friend” letters to Hitler, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times.
Q. What are some unknown facts about Mahatma Gandhi?
A. He once wrote to Hitler calling him ‘Dear Friend’, and the UN named his birthday (Oct 2) as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Q. Why is Gandhi relevant today?
A. His ideals of truth, nonviolence, and equality remain relevant today, providing guidance against greed and violence and inspiring current movements for justice.
Q. How is Gandhi asked in UPSC exams?
A. It covers his leadership in India’s freedom struggle (e.g., Salt March, Non-Cooperation), his philosophy (satyagraha, swaraj), and his social reforms (untouchability, Khadi).
Conclusion
Gandhi’s legacy as the “Father of the Nation” remains a cornerstone of India’s identity. Exploring both well-known stories and hidden facets of his life helps us appreciate the depth of his philosophy and leadership. By studying popular anecdotes alongside rare insights, students and aspirants gain a fuller understanding of how Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence and truth continues to shape our world.
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