Father of Nation- Mahatma Gandhi

 

Untouchability is a soul-destroying sin. Caste is a social evil by Mahatma Gandhi, Reference- The collected works of Mahatma Gandhi Vol. 51 Page. No. 219.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a political and spiritual leader In India during the Indian independence movement. He was the leader of the Indian National Congress and is considered the father of the nation. He was a strong advocate for non-violent civil disobedience to achieve political and social change.

 

 

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the chief minister of Porbandar and his mother, Putlibai Gandhi, was a religious woman who was deeply involved in her community. Mahatma Gandhi received his primary education in Porbandar and later attended high school in Rajkot. He then went to England in 1888 to study law at the University College of London. He returned to India in 1891 and began practicing law, but he was unsuccessful. After a few years, Mahatma Gandhi moved to South Africa, where he spent 21 years fighting for the rights of Indian immigrants. He returned to India in 1915, joined the Indian Independence movement, and started leading nationwide campaigns for various social and economic issues.

Mahatma Gandhi was deeply committed to abolishing the caste system in India, specifically the practice of untouchability. Untouchability is the social practice of ostracizing a group of people based on their perceived “low” caste status. It was a widespread and deeply ingrained practice in India during Gandhi’s lifetime. Mahatma Gandhi believed the caste system was a significant obstacle to India’s progress and unity. He made the abolition of untouchability and the promotion of equality among all castes a central part of his political and social agenda. He wrote extensively on the subject and gave speeches condemning the practice. He also organized and participated in many peaceful protests and campaigns against untouchability.

Mahatma Gandhi used his moral authority and ability to mobilize large numbers of people to draw attention to the issue and pressure the government to act. He also sought to change societal attitudes towards untouchability by encouraging people from different castes to interact and work together. He also advocated for education and economic self-sufficiency for Dalits (formerly called ‘untouchables’) to empower them and break the cycle of poverty and discrimination. Mahatma Gandhi’s work on untouchability and other issues, such as Swaraj (self-rule) and non-violence, helped build momentum for the Indian independence movement and contributed to the eventual abolition of untouchability in India.

Mahatma Gandhi Strongly opposed the caste system and the practice of untouchability in India. He believed all individuals should be treated equally and respected, regardless of their caste or social status. He worked tirelessly to abolish the caste system and end the discrimination and oppression faced by those considered to be ‘untouchables.’ Mahatma Gandhi believed that proper spiritual development and social progress could only be achieved through eliminating caste distinctions and eradicating untouchability. He used non-violent civil disobedience and other peaceful methods to promote social change, and his efforts played a significant role in the abolition of untouchability in India.

 

Vijendra Sonawane (vijendra.sonawane@ssfoffice.in)