Mahatma Gandhi

Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Profession: Pacifist and Spiritual Leader

Nationality:

Biography: Gandhi was the leader of the nonviolent civil disobedience campaign against British rule in India. He initially began fighting for the rights of Indians in South Africa, from which he returned in 1915. In 1921 he assumed rule of the Indian National Congress and began leading nationwide resistance movements.

He led the Dandi Salt March in 1930 and later led the Quit India movement in 1942. He undertook numerous fasts in support of his political causes and for self-purification.

Gandhi's vision of India called for a state based on religious pluralism. This, however, was strongly challenged by a rapidly -growing Muslim nationalist independence movement which demanded a state for itself. This led to the partition of India in 1947 into India and Pakistan. Gandhi visited the affected areas and undertook several fasts in an attempt to stop the religious violence.

Some Hindus believed Gandhi was too accommodating; among them was Nathuram Godse who assassinated Gandhi on 30 January 1948.

Born: October 2, 1869
Birthplace: Porbandar, Kathiawar Agency, India
Star Sign: Libra

Died: January 30, 1948 (aged 78)
Cause of Death: Assassination