No. 8 Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the present state of Gujarat on October 2, 1869, and educated in law at University College, London. In 1891, after having been admitted to the British bar, Gandhi returned to India and attempted to establish a law practice in Bombay but failed. Two years later an Indian firm with interests in South Africa retained him as legal adviser in its office in Durban. Arriving in Durban, Gandhi found himself treated as a member of an inferior race. He was appalled at the widespread denial of civil liberties and political rights to Indian immigrants to South Africa. He threw himself into the struggle for elementary rights for Indians. In 1914 he returned to India and became the leader of the Indian National Congress. Gandhi urged non-violence and civil disobedience as a means to independence from Great Britain, with public acts of defiance that landed him in jail several times. In 1947 he participated in the postwar negotiations that led to Indian independence. He was shot to death by a Hindu fanatic in 1948.

Gandhi's non-violent approach to problem solving has had a direct impact on people's everyday lives. His ideals have made him stand out as a leader and caused people to question violent approaches to issues. However, sadly, people have not changed and continue to fight wars. His efforts have stood out in history, but have yet to be followed.

Gandhi's ideas obviously had a large-scale impact on countries. His actions led to Indian independence from Great Britain. The final reason for inclusion is the impact on long-term movements. Gandhi's ideals will live on forever. They have been studied and will continue to be studied. However, people have not stepped up and followed his non-violent ways. Once people realize to follow Gandhi's philosophies, war could vanish.

Birth:	October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India
Nickname:	Gandhi
Education:	University College in London; law
Occupation:	Spiritual/Political Leader.
Religious Affiliation:	Hindu
Marriage:	At age 13 Gandhi married Kasturba, a girl the same age. The marriage was arranged by their parents.
Children:	Harilal (1888-1948) Manilal (1892-1956) Ramdas (1897-1969) Devdas (1900-1957)
Political Affiliation:	Leader of the Indian National Congress.
Writings:	Gandhi had numerous writings. Some examples are... An Autobiography - The Story Of My Experiments With Truth Hind Swaraj Or Indian Home Rule Key To Health
Died:	January 30, 1948 (assassinated)
Buried:	Red Fort in Old Delhi, Raj Gahat - the cremation site