This article first appeared in Travel World on 2nd October 2020
Great leaders have often been great travelers, and Mahatma Gandhi was no exception. Born on October 2, 1869, in the coastal town of Porbandar, Gujarat, he embarked on a journey that would shape his philosophy and influence the world. His travels were not just physical but also intellectual and spiritual, molding him into the leader who spearheaded India’s struggle for independence.
At the age of 19, Mahatma Gandhi traveled to England in 1888 to study law at University College London. This was a transformative period in his life, exposing him to Western culture and ideals. While he initially struggled to adapt, he soon immersed himself in studies, vegetarianism, and the philosophy of truth and non-violence. His time in England gave him a deeper understanding of justice and human rights, which later influenced his approach to India’s freedom movement.
In 1893, after completing his legal studies, Gandhi accepted a one-year contract with a law firm in South Africa. However, his stay extended for more than two decades, as he witnessed and personally experienced racial discrimination. The infamous incident where he was thrown off a train in Pietermaritzburg for being an Indian in a first-class compartment became a turning point. This injustice fueled his resolve to fight against oppression.
During his time in South Africa, he developed and practiced Satyagraha, a philosophy of non-violent resistance. His activism led to significant changes in the rights of the Indian community in South Africa. These experiences strengthened his belief that peaceful protest could be a powerful tool for social and political change.
In 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India, where he embarked on extensive travels across the country. He visited villages, interacted with the common people, and observed the plight of farmers and laborers. His travels helped him understand the deep-rooted issues of poverty, caste discrimination, and British exploitation. He launched movements like the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) and the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), advocating self-reliance and resistance against colonial rule…
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