GANDHI, Mohandas Karamchand

Best known 20^th century non-violent activist, initially in S Africa on behalf of Indian immigrants, then more substantially thereafter in the cause of achieving  Indian Independence and of inter-religious peaceability. His own Brahminic family background became a spur to challenge the negative manifestations of caste in regarding ‘untouchables’ instead as ‘Harijans’ – children of God. He was especially fond of the Bhagavadgita, as also the Sermon on the Mount and the writings of Tolstoy. Is vegetarian lifestyle and use of fasting to demonstrate important points were consistent with his belief in satyagraha – the force of truth.  It’s as foolish to ignore his idiosyncrasies as it is to exaggerate them. He was known as Mahatma ('great souled') or Bapuji ('beloved Father').

• 'The Complete Site on Gandhi' with a wealth of materials on his life and work

• Obituary of Gandhi from The Guardian
• 'Gandhi: his life in pictures'

Works

• Works of Gandhi on Project Gutenberg

• The Story of my Experiments with Truth

Video

Archive footage of Gandhi (9 mins)