Many of us know that Mahatma Gandhi was a political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance in the campaign for India’s independence from British rule. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. However, the person he became had much to do with his life as a lawyer.
Mohandas Karmchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. He was raised in a Hindu family. At the age of nine, Gandhi entered the local school near his home and at the age of 11 joined the High School near his home. He was first married at the age of 13 in an arranged marriage according to the custom at that time.
It was suggested to Gandhi at the age of about 18 that he consider law studies in London. To persuade his wife and his mother, Gandhi made a vow that he would abstain from meat, alcohol and women. Gandhi’s brother was already a lawyer, and encouraged this plan. Gandhi’s mother then gave her permission and blessing. In September of 1888, Gandhi sailed to London to attend University College in London. He enrolled at the Inns of Court School of Law and in June, 1891 he was enrolled in the High Court of England, having completed his studies.
Gandhi returned to India, however, his attempts at establishing a law practice failed because he was unable to cross-examine witnesses. He made a modest living drafting petitions for litigants. But in 1893, a Muslim merchant contacted him regarding a litigation matter involving his cousin in South Africa. At the age of 23, he set sail for South Africa and spent 21 years in South Africa where he developed his political views and ethics.
In South Africa, Gandhi faced discrimination due to the color of his skin and his Indian heritage. He was told that he could not sit with European passengers in the stagecoach, and was told to sit on the floor near the driver. When he refused to do so, he was beaten. In another instance, he was thrown off a train when he refused to leave the first-class car. Gandhi chose to protest the treatment he received, and was allowed to board the train the next day.
In 1910 Gandhi abandoned the practice of law to devote his time to the service of the community. He was often engaged in breaking laws rather than interpreting them. In 1922 after his first act of civil disobedience, he was disbarred. His name has since been restored to the roles in honor of his memory.
It was in 1914 that the honorific Mahatma, from Sanskrit meaning great-souled, was applied to him. Gandhi’s birthday, October 2, is commemorated in India as a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence. Gandhi is considered by many to be the Father of the Nation in post-colonial India. Gandhi died on January 30,1948 at the hands of a Hindu nationalist who shot him at close range.
Categorized in: General
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