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Unraveling the Threads of Gandhi's Childhood: A Journey to the Making of a Mahatma
Introduction:
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The name conjures images of peaceful resistance, unwavering conviction, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations worldwide. But behind the iconic figure of the Mahatma lies a fascinating childhood, a formative period that profoundly shaped his beliefs and actions. This in-depth exploration dives into the early life of Gandhi, revealing the seemingly ordinary experiences that contributed to the extraordinary man he became. We'll uncover the influences, challenges, and pivotal moments that laid the foundation for his future leadership and his enduring impact on the world. Prepare to embark on a journey into the heart of Gandhi's childhood, a journey that will illuminate the path to his remarkable journey to becoming a global icon.
1. Early Life and Family Influences:
Gandhi's early years in Porbandar, a small coastal town in Gujarat, India, were steeped in the traditions of a relatively affluent yet traditional Hindu family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the Diwan (chief minister) of several princely states, exposing young Mohandas to the intricacies of governance and the complexities of power dynamics, albeit at a local level. His mother, Putlibai, deeply religious and devout, played a pivotal role in shaping his moral compass. Her influence instilled in him a strong sense of religious tolerance, vegetarianism, and the importance of selfless service. These early familial influences would lay the bedrock for his future commitment to non-violence and social justice. The relatively privileged environment, contrasted with the poverty he witnessed around him, sparked an early awareness of social inequality. This juxtaposition would later become a driving force in his life's work.
2. Education and Early Moral Development:
Gandhi's formal education, although somewhat conventional, offered glimpses into the complexities of the British Raj. He attended local schools, experiencing both the limitations and opportunities presented by the colonial education system. However, it was his mother's moral instruction and his own inherent inclination towards introspection that had a far more profound impact. He displayed early signs of a strong moral compass, often struggling with the internal conflicts between societal norms and his personal sense of justice. His early experiences with untouchability, witnessing the inherent discrimination faced by the marginalized castes, left an indelible mark on his young mind, becoming a source of lifelong advocacy.
3. Marriage and Early Career Struggles:
At the tender age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturbai Mohandas Gandhi, a union arranged within the confines of tradition. While the early years of their marriage presented challenges, it also fostered a partnership that would endure throughout his life. His subsequent foray into the legal profession in England represented a pivotal shift. His experiences in London exposed him to different cultures, ideas, and social structures, significantly broadening his perspective. However, he also struggled with adapting to Western life, grappling with the cultural differences and the challenges of being an outsider in a new environment. This period marked the beginning of his quest for self-discovery and the gradual development of his unique philosophy.
4. Return to India and the Seeds of Activism:
Gandhi's return to India proved challenging. His attempts to establish a successful law practice were initially unsuccessful. This period of struggle, however, inadvertently served as a catalyst for his future activism. His experiences working with Indian communities, witnessing firsthand the injustices of the British Raj, and experiencing the social inequalities within Indian society, fueled his growing commitment to social reform. He began actively engaging in local politics, gradually realizing the need for a larger, more impactful approach to addressing the systemic issues he observed. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his later adoption of non-violent resistance as a powerful tool for social and political change.
5. South Africa and the Genesis of Satyagraha:
Gandhi's involvement in South Africa proved to be a turning point. Faced with blatant racial discrimination and injustice, he developed his philosophy of Satyagraha – the pursuit of truth through non-violent resistance. This period was pivotal in shaping his political ideology and strategic approach. His experiences in South Africa refined his understanding of the power of peaceful resistance in challenging oppressive regimes, a philosophy that would later become instrumental in India's struggle for independence. The struggles he faced and the strategies he employed in South Africa provided him with the invaluable experience and honed the skills he would later employ on a much larger stage in India.
Book Outline: "The Shaping of a Mahatma: Gandhi's Childhood and Early Influences"
Introduction: A brief overview of Gandhi's life and the significance of his childhood experiences.
Chapter 1: Early Life and Family: Focuses on Gandhi's upbringing, his family, and their impact on his moral development.
Chapter 2: Education and Moral Development: Examines his formal education and the development of his strong moral compass.
Chapter 3: Marriage and Early Career: Discusses his marriage, his move to England, and his struggles establishing a legal career.
Chapter 4: Return to India and Early Activism: Details his return to India, early political involvement, and growing awareness of social issues.
Chapter 5: South Africa and the Birth of Satyagraha: Explores his experiences in South Africa and the development of his philosophy of non-violent resistance.
Conclusion: Summarizes the key themes and emphasizes the enduring impact of Gandhi's childhood experiences on his life's work.
FAQs:
1. What was Gandhi's childhood like? Gandhi's childhood was a blend of privilege and exposure to poverty, traditional Hindu upbringing and exposure to Western education, shaped by strong familial influences and personal introspection.
2. What role did his family play in shaping his beliefs? His mother's religious devotion fostered his moral compass and his father's position in government introduced him to the dynamics of power.
3. How did his education influence him? His formal education provided a base, but his self-education through reflection and exposure to diverse perspectives was more formative.
4. What challenges did he face in his early life? He faced challenges in establishing a legal career, adjusting to Western life, and witnessing and confronting social injustice.
5. When did he develop his philosophy of Satyagraha? His philosophy of Satyagraha developed gradually throughout his life, but the crucial period for its formulation was his time in South Africa.
6. How did his experiences in South Africa influence him? South Africa provided the crucible where his ideas about non-violent resistance were forged and tested.
7. What were the key turning points in his childhood? His mother's influence, his exposure to injustice, his experiences in London, and his struggles in establishing a law practice were all key turning points.
8. How did his early life contribute to his later activism? His early life instilled in him a strong moral compass, sensitized him to social inequalities, and provided him with experiences that shaped his approach to activism.
9. What makes Gandhi's childhood story relevant today? Gandhi's story highlights the power of individual conviction, the importance of moral development, and the impact of early experiences on shaping a person's life and legacy.
Related Articles:
1. Gandhi's Vegetarianism: A Moral and Spiritual Journey: Explores the reasons behind Gandhi's commitment to vegetarianism and its connection to his broader philosophy.
2. Kasturbai Gandhi: The Unsung Heroine: Focuses on the life and contributions of Gandhi's wife, highlighting her role in his work.
3. The Influence of Hinduism on Gandhi's Philosophy: Analyzes the role of Hinduism in shaping Gandhi's beliefs and actions.
4. Gandhi's Education in England: A Cultural Collision: Explores Gandhi's experiences in England, highlighting the challenges and opportunities he encountered.
5. Satyagraha: The Power of Non-Violent Resistance: A detailed examination of Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha and its impact on social and political movements.
6. Gandhi's Early Political Activities in India: Details Gandhi's early involvement in Indian politics and his growing awareness of the need for social and political change.
7. The Impact of Colonialism on Gandhi's Life: Explores how British rule in India shaped Gandhi's experiences and fueled his activism.
8. Gandhi's Legacy of Peace and Non-Violence: Discusses the lasting impact of Gandhi's philosophy on peace movements and social justice initiatives globally.
9. Comparing Gandhi's Childhood with Other Leaders: Analyzes the similarities and differences between Gandhi's childhood and the formative years of other prominent world leaders.
| gandhi childhood: The Story of Gandhi Rajkumari Shanker, 1969 Interesting Facts About Gandhi S Childhood, Education, Stay In London And South Africa And His Fight For India S Freedom. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi Kathleen Kudlinski, 2012-03-13 A childhood biography of the great political and social leader. Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) studied law in England, then spent 20 years defending the rights of immigrants in South Africa. 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. This childhood biography highlights the events that informed Gandhi's indomitable spirit. |
| gandhi childhood: Encyclopaedia Britannica Hugh Chisholm, 1910 This eleventh edition was developed during the encyclopaedia's transition from a British to an American publication. Some of its articles were written by the best-known scholars of the time and it is considered to be a landmark encyclopaedia for scholarship and literary style. |
| gandhi childhood: Daughter Of Midnight - The Child Bride of Gandhi Arun Gandhi, 1998-03-02 Kastur Kapadia was betrothed to the mighty Mahatma Gandhi, father of modern India, when they were both just seven years old. The couple married when they were thirteen and Kastur had five children, the first of whom was born when she was sixteen. Though Gandhi's name has become synonymous with asceticism, this biography reveals that he enjoyed a sensuous, loving relationship with Kastur. Daughter of Midnight is the result of a lifetime of research by Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma and Kastur. As well as recounting historical events behind the birth of a nation, Daughter of Midnight is also a love story, which ended with the terrible tragedy of Gandhi's assassination by a Hindu extremist in New Delhi in 1948. Though Gandhi's strength and resolution defeated all the resources of the British Empire he was not always confident, the author reveals. When the young Gandhi, as a barrister in Bombay, could not open his mouth for fear during his first ever court case, Kastur consoled him and soothed the humiliation he felt at being laughed at by his contemporaries. The woman who shared Gandhi's sorrows, his triumphs and his tragedies also knew the flaws and human frailities of the great leader. Together Mahatma and Kastur laid the foundations for the movement of nonviolence to which they devoted their lives. When Mahatma was imprisoned, Kastur was often jailed with him. No obstacle was too great for this extraordinary woman who gave up a life of wealth for one of utter poverty. When Kastur died the whole nation wept for the woman the people called simply 'Ba'...Mother. |
| gandhi childhood: The Story of My Experiments with Truth Mahatma Gandhi, 2023-12-23 Mahatma Gandhi's 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is a deeply personal and introspective account of the author's life, principles, and spiritual journey. Written in a simple and reflective style, the book chronicles Gandhi's struggles, failures, and triumphs in his pursuit of truth and nonviolence. Set in the backdrop of India's fight for independence, the text provides valuable insights into Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha and his unshakeable belief in the power of nonviolent resistance. Through his narrative, Gandhi invites readers to reflect on the nature of truth, the importance of self-discipline, and the transformative power of inner strength. This autobiography serves as a significant literary work in the context of Indian literature and political philosophy, offering a unique perspective on one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. As a leader of the Indian independence movement, Gandhi's experiences and teachings continue to inspire readers worldwide to rethink their approach to personal integrity and social change. 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is a must-read for those interested in Gandhi's life, philosophy, and lasting impact on history. |
| gandhi childhood: The UnGandhian Gandhi Claude Markovits, 2004 Documentary about deceased photojournalist Tim Hetherington directed by Sebastian Junger. Together with his friend and long-term collaborator Sebastian, Tim travelled the world documenting conflicts in Afghanistan, Liberia and Libya, among other locations. Best known for their 2010 film 'Restrepo' which was nominated for an Academy Award, the two strived to capture the humanity within conflict situations and with their images they focused on the individuals involved and their experiences of the violence surrounding them. Unfortunately, in 2011 Tim was killed by a mortar blast and this film is a tribute and celebration of the legacy he has left behind and includes interviews with those who knew him best. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi’s Printing Press Isabel Hofmeyr, 2013-03-05 At the same time that Gandhi, as a young lawyer in South Africa, began fashioning the tenets of his political philosophy, he was absorbed by a seemingly unrelated enterprise: creating a newspaper. Gandhi’s Printing Press is an account of how this project, an apparent footnote to a titanic career, shaped the man who would become the world-changing Mahatma. Pioneering publisher, experimental editor, ethical anthologist—these roles reveal a Gandhi developing the qualities and talents that would later define him. Isabel Hofmeyr presents a detailed study of Gandhi’s work in South Africa (1893–1914), when he was the some-time proprietor of a printing press and launched the periodical Indian Opinion. The skills Gandhi honed as a newspaperman—distilling stories from numerous sources, circumventing shortages of type—influenced his spare prose style. Operating out of the colonized Indian Ocean world, Gandhi saw firsthand how a global empire depended on the rapid transmission of information over vast distances. He sensed that communication in an industrialized age was becoming calibrated to technological tempos. But he responded by slowing the pace, experimenting with modes of reading and writing focused on bodily, not mechanical, rhythms. Favoring the use of hand-operated presses, he produced a newspaper to contemplate rather than scan, one more likely to excerpt Thoreau than feature easily glossed headlines. Gandhi’s Printing Press illuminates how the concentration and self-discipline inculcated by slow reading, imbuing the self with knowledge and ethical values, evolved into satyagraha, truth-force, the cornerstone of Gandhi’s revolutionary idea of nonviolent resistance. |
| gandhi childhood: The Life and Death of Mahatma Gandhi Robert Payne, 2014-06-06 This is the heroic story of the man whose non-violent movement transformed his native India both spiritually and politically as it impelled the nation along the road to independence. With consummate skill, in a narration that never flags in vividness and drama, Robert Payne re-creates Mahatma Gandhi both as a spiritual and historical force and as a living personality. When in January, l948, Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi by a fanatic, his death sent shock waves around the world. For two generations he had been the conscience of his country and the world. Planting the idea of non-violence firmly in men’s minds, he had not only conquered India but also changed the landscape of the human heart. In the tradition of his best-selling biographies of Lenin and Schweitzer, Robert Payne’s life brings Gandhi alive as a rounded personality. Beginning with the moving story of a shy, awkward boy from a provincial Indian city who married at Thirteen, then was separated from his bride for years while he read law in London, the book describes Gandhi’s life as a successful barrister in South Africa who turned his back on wealth to defend Indian settlers against discrimination and persecution. Robert Payne superbly describes Gandhi’s daring marches to aid the oppressed; his fasts and imprisonments; his historic achievements at international congresses and conferences in India and England where, clad only in shawl and loincloth, he met with prime ministers and viceroys and won their respect as he fought for the dignity and freedom of his people. “I would place Robert Payne’s book on the level of a great novel by Tolstoy, swiftly moving, panoramic, writ on the canvas of destiny and of close historical characterization,” writes Dr. Amiya Chakravarty, former private secretary of Rabindranath Tagore, who knew Gandhi personally and worked with him. “It is one of the great biographies. No finer account of Gandhi’s life and death has been written.” |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi's Pilgrimage of Faith Uma Majmudar, 2012-02-01 Millions around the world revere Mahatma Gandhi, yet only a few know the man Mohandas Gandhi and the internal journey of his soul. This pioneering book fills the spiritual void in Gandhian literature by focusing on the soul and the substance of the man. Uma Majmudar shows that, contrary to popular belief, Gandhi's rise to greatness was not meteoric; it was, rather, a continuous process of faith development, punctuated by conflicts, crises, and turning points. Using James W. Fowler's theory of Stages of Faith as a guide, Majmudar undertakes the first developmental study to analyze the fundamental role of faith in transforming Gandhi's life. She proposes that the power that nourished Gandhi's soul was his ever-growing faith in the ultimate triumph of Truth and in the innate Godliness of the human soul. Along with making an invaluable contribution to numerous cross-cultural disciplines, the book also offers something special to those wishing to embark on their own faith developmental journey, guided by Gandhi's example. Majmudar wants us to touch and feel Gandhi. He is not on a pedestal, he is not made of granite or bronze, he is warm and vulnerable. — from the Foreword by Rajmohan Gandhi |
| gandhi childhood: Grandfather Gandhi Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus, 2014-03-11 Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson tells the story of how his grandfather taught him to turn darkness into light in this uniquely personal and vibrantly illustrated tale that carries a message of peace. How could he—a Gandhi—be so easy to anger? One thick, hot day, Arun Gandhi travels with his family to Grandfather Gandhi’s village. Silence fills the air—but peace feels far away for young Arun. When an older boy pushes him on the soccer field, his anger fills him in a way that surely a true Gandhi could never imagine. Can Arun ever live up to the Mahatma? Will he ever make his grandfather proud? In this remarkable personal story, Arun Gandhi, with Bethany Hegedus, weaves a stunning portrait of the extraordinary man who taught him to live his life as light. Evan Turk brings the text to breathtaking life with his unique three-dimensional collage paintings. |
| gandhi childhood: Biography of Mahatma Gandhi: Inspirational Biographies for Children Sachin Sinhal, 2021-02-01 William Shak espeare said, “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. In fact one can achieve greatness only by ones deeds and not by ones birth. Such a person was Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. His real name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi but he was popularly called ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ for his valuable deeds. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar in Rajk ot, Kathiawad in Gujarat. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the Diwan of Rajkot. He was very a honest and religious minded person. His mother, Putli Bai, was also a pious lady of refined sensibilities. She never took her meals without performing her prayers. His parents greatly influenced Gandhiji. Biography of Mahatma Gandhi: Inspirational Biographies for Children by Sachin Sinhal: Explore the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, in this inspiring biography tailored for children. Sachin Sinhal's book highlights Gandhi's nonviolent struggle for India's independence and his enduring legacy of peace and justice. Key Aspects of the Book Biography of Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Resistance: Sachin Sinhal portrays Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence (Ahimsa) and its pivotal role in India's freedom movement. Legacy of Peace: The book emphasizes Gandhi's enduring legacy as a champion of peace, civil rights, and social justice. Inspiration for Young Activists: This biography serves as an inspiration for young readers, encouraging them to stand up for what they believe in and make a positive impact on the world. Sachin Sinhal is the author of this biography, aiming to introduce young readers to the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Biography of Mahatma Gandhi is part of his series of inspirational biographies for children, promoting values of peace and social change. |
| gandhi childhood: The Cambridge Companion to Gandhi Judith Brown, Anthony Parel, 2011-02-21 Even today, six decades after his assassination in January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi is still revered as the father of the Indian nation. His intellectual and moral legacy, and the example of his life and politics, serve as an inspiration to human rights and peace movements, political activists and students. This book, comprised of essays by renowned experts in the fields of Indian history and philosophy, traces Gandhi's extraordinary story. The first part of the book explores his transformation from a small-town lawyer during his early life in South Africa into a skilled political activist and leader of civil resistance in India. The second part is devoted to Gandhi's key writings and his thinking on a broad range of topics, including religion, conflict, politics and social relations. The final part reflects on Gandhi's image and on his legacy in India, the West, and beyond. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi and Mao Ratan Das, 2004 Comparative study of Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948, Indian nationalist and statesman and Mao Tsê-tung, 1893-1976, Chinese Marxist theorist. |
| gandhi childhood: Early Years Education: Curriculum issues in early childhood education Rod Parker-Rees, Jenny Willan, 2006 This collection of papers provides a useful resource for scholars who need to ground their own study in a wider historical and global discourses concerning the education of children under eight. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi Judith Margaret Brown, 1991-01-01 A biography of the revered Indian leader explores his early career in South Africa, the forging of his political activism, his influence, triumphs, and failures in India, and the development of his philosophy of nonviolence |
| gandhi childhood: History Class- XII - SBPD Publications [2022-23] Dr. Brajesh Kumar Srivastava, 2022-02-17 UNIT – I Archaeology & Ancient India 1. The Story of the First Cities : Harappan Archaeology, 2. Political and Economic History from the Mauryan to Gupta Period, 3. Social History : With Special Reference to Mahabharata, 4. History of Ancient Indian Religions with Special Reference to Buddhism and Sanchi Stupa, UNIT – II Medieval India 5. The Ain-i-Akbari : Agrarian Relations, 6. The Mughal Court : Reconstructing History through Chronical, 7. Architecture of Hampi (Vijaynagar), 8. Religious History : The Bhakti-Sufi Tradition, 9. Medieval Society through Foreign Travellers Accounts, UNIT- III Modern India 10. Colonialism and Rural Society : Evidence from Official Report, 11. ‘1857’ A Review, 12. Colonial Cities—Urbanisation, Planning and Architecture, 13. Mahatma Gandhi through Contemporary Eyes and his Role in the Indian Politics, 14. Partition of India and its Study through Oral Sources, 15. Making of the Indian Constitution. |
| gandhi childhood: Why Gandhi is Immortal Chandrakant Wankhade, Translated by Paromita Goswami, 2024-05-15 Death should mean the end of life. But why is that Mahatma Gandhi continues to live even after his assassination? It is not just his followers who consider him alive, but even those who engineered his murder continue to battle with his living presence in India and abroad. Why are his detractors afraid of Mahatma Gandhi even after putting him to death? Why is it impossible to eliminate Bapu him from the hearts of the common people? Why do thousands across the world continue to regard him a hero in spite of cynical attempts to paint him a pathetic and cowardly villain? What indeed, is the secret of Gandhi’s immortality? These are the questions that the author grapples with in this thought-provoking book. The book first published in Marathi as 'Gandhi ka Marat Nahi?' was later translated in Hindi as 'Gandhi kyon nahi Marte?'. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi's Truth: On the Origins of Militant Nonviolence Erik H. Erikson, 1993-04-17 In this study of Mahatma Gandhi, psychoanalyst Erik H. Erikson explores how Gandhi succeeded in mobilizing the Indian people both spiritually and politically as he became the revolutionary innovator of militant non-violence and India became the motherland of large-scale civil disobedience. |
| gandhi childhood: Children and Literature Shubha Tiwari, 2006 Publishing Of Books Is A Mark Of Growth Of A Particular Society. The Types And Topics Of Books Are A Sure Indicator Of Development Of Sensitivity In A Given Society. Books That Sell Ought To Be Brought Out But Books That Express Offstage Concerns Should Also Be Given Place. The Present Venture Takes Into Consideration The Twofold Subject Of Children S Literature And Children In Literature. It Is Of Interest To Those Who Wish To Explore The Recesses From Where The Adult Behaviour Emanates. It Presents Many Less Verbalized Realities Of Childhood, Its Beauty, Joy As Well As Challenges. Many Papers Bring Out Thinking Of A Society That Shapes Children And Their World. Some Papers Take Into Stock The Popular Trends In Children S Literature. Overall The Book Children And Literature Is A Tribute To The Truly Inspiring Phenomenon Of Childhood. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi's Coolie M. V. Kamath, 1995 |
| gandhi childhood: Indira Gandhi's India Henry C. Hart, 2019-03-04 India, credited with the best institutionalized democracy of the Third World, changed in 1975, apparently overnight and at the decision of one individual, to a quasi-dictatorship. A transformation so remarkable prompted eight scholars of Indian politics to reexamine the sectors of the system they know well, seeking explanations. They reappraise the carry-over of colonial institutions and procedures, the distribution of power in the ruling party, business influence, the roles of the divided Communist parties, the position of the administrative corps and of the army, and unrest among the rural poor at its most volatile, in the state of Bihar. An introduction shows just what Mrs. Gandhi changed, the situation that triggered her action, and the justification she advances. A concluding chapter tests the facts of the Indian transformation against four major theories of political change in the developing world: projection into politics of personality conflicts of the leader, agrarian class conflict, social mobilization, and cultural assimilation and institutionalization. |
| gandhi childhood: Mahatma Gandhi and the New Millennium M. Maharajan, 2010 Contents: Gandhi and The New World Order, Gandhian Approach to World Peace, The Concept of Freedom, Equality and Peace A Gandhian Perspective, Modern Social Legislation, Gandhian Approach to Communal Harmony, The Concept of Child Welfare in Gandhi s View, The Concept of Women s Welfare in Gandhi s View, Relevance of Gandhian Thought, Conclusion. |
| gandhi childhood: Mahatma Gandhi Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Albert Arrayas, 2019-04-30 New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the father of India, in this true story of his life. As a young teenager in India, Gandhi led a rebellious life and went against his parents' values. But as a young man, he started to form beliefs of his own that harked back to the Hindu principles of his childhood. Gandhi began to dream of unity for all peoples and religions. Inspired by this idea, he led peaceful protests to free India from British rule and unite the country—ending violence and unfair treatment. His bravery and free-thinking made him one of the most iconic people of peace in the world, known as 'Mahatma' meaning 'great soul'. With innovative illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful people of the world. |
| gandhi childhood: For the Common Good John C. Knapp Ph.D., 2006-12-30 Against the all-too-familiar backdrop of corporate malfeasance, scandal in our religious institutions, political chicanery to serve ulterior motives, and constant reminders of the corruptive influence of power, For the Common Good showcases the insights, reflections, and recommendations of some of today's most forward-thinking and inspiring leaders, applying their expertise in fields such as ecology, education, and conflict resolution. Today's challenges test leaders to their very core, and require a fundamentally new kind of leadership committed to the greater good of society. From Nobel Prize winner, John Hume, to Leader-to-Leader Institute Chair, Frances Hesselbein, Harvard University's Howard Gardner to President Jimmy Carter, the contributors argue that because individuals, institutions, and societies are now so profoundly connected and inter-related, every decision of consequence has a ripple effect. Leaders of all stripes, including corporate executives, politicians, social activists, scientists, and educators, must display courage, integrity, humility, and the wherewithal to consider the long-term impact of their decisions and actions; most importantly, they must engage in dialogue and recognize that creative solutions to complex problems require collaboration. The result is a provocative and multi-dimensional exploration of leadership in troubled and troubling times—but with a hopeful note that individuals and organizations will rise to the challenges. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi’s African Legacy: Phoenix Settlement 1904 to 2024. A History Through Letters Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie, 2024-10-01 “This is an epic work which gives us another deep insight not just into the South African Gandhi but also into his colleagues at the settlement and an ongoing biography of the settlement itself. This is the first book telling the history of Phoenix Settlement from its founding to now. It provides us with a view into the lives of the residents and supporters, rather than merely a history of the buildings. This is a goldmine for researchers. It very skilfully presents the role of the settlement in the campaigns against apartheid in the early 1950s and the international recognition of its actions and the stimulus they provided for international campaigns. The story of the settlement as a haven for multi-racial gatherings in the time of apartheid, and, regardless of this, the disaster that followed is wonderfully told.” - Thomas Weber, Emeritus Professor, La Trobe University, Melbourne “Another magisterial book from Dhupelia-Mesthrie, this time on Phoenix, told through deeply researched contextual chapters and the letters of those who lived there. Informed by a lifetime’s work on Gandhi and drawing on archives and personal papers from across the world, this monumental work will be treasured by grateful scholars and readers for decades to come.” - Isabel Hofmeyr, Emeritus Professor, University of the Witwatersrand “The book provides a major, new, in-depth understanding of a major initiative in Gandhi’s life, an initiative which laid the ground for his work in South Africa and in India, and whose resonances are still being felt in the world.” - Ramachandra Guha, Eminent biographer of Gandhi |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi's Prisoner? Uma Dhupelia-Mesthrie, 2005 This Is A Biography Of Manilal, One Of Mahatma Gandhi`S Four Sons Who Most Closely Espoused And Persistently Furthered The Moral And Ideological Vision Of His Father In South Africa. |
| gandhi childhood: [In English] Mahatma Gandhi Biography The Biography Edits, 2023-02-06 [In English] Mahatma Gandhi Biography |
| gandhi childhood: Indira Gandhi Sreelata Menon, 2013-10-15 A loving daughter, a caring mother, an affectionate grandmother a confident globetrotter and finally prime minister, Indira slipped into each role with ease.’ The story of India's first woman prime minister is no ordinary story. It is the story of a girl for whom sacrifice and loss came early. For whom growing up meant seeing her father drift in and out of jail and a mother in and out of hospital. Wearing khadi and organizing her own band of troops. Combating loneliness and giving up the things she loved for a bigger cause. With the freedom struggle playing out in the background Indira Gandhi's life was inextricably linked to the politics and destiny of her country. In this compelling biography, Sreelata Menon vividly recreates the life and times of a young girl who goes on to become one of the most powerful and charismatic leaders of the world. Filled with little-known facts about Indira Gandhi’s life this book is a fascinating read that brings to light the different facets of her personality. |
| gandhi childhood: Re-understanding the Child’s Right to Identity Ya’ir Ronen, 2016-10-05 Re-understanding the Child’s Right to Identity - On belonging, Responsiveness and Hope, by Ya'ir Ronen offers an innovative understanding of the right to identity aiming to transform its meaning and thus its protection. Drawing on sources from different disciplines, including law, theology, philosophy, psychology and social work, the author offers a vision of social and legal change in which law is a healing force. In it, policies and practice protect children's sense of belonging recognizing human interdependence. They dignify children's disempowered narratives through their responsiveness, protect children's need to be authentic beings and nourish the hope for change and growth in children at risk and their families |
| gandhi childhood: South Africa's Alternative Press Les Switzer, 1997-02-13 Collection of essays on the South African alternative press from the 1880s to the 1960s. |
| gandhi childhood: Hindu Wisdom for All God's Children Francis X. Clooney, 2005-02-02 'Hindu Wisdom for All God's Children' introduces readers to the spiritual riches of Hindu India. Jesuit author Francis Clooney brings a wealth of scholarship and personal immersion in the thought and life of India to a wide range of students and seekers. In seven chapters Clooney draws on aspects of Indian religious life, both ancient and modern. They include the creation myths and the discovery of the self; realization of the self in theology and meditative traditions; the self-awareness of Gautama; the quest for direct experience of God in devotions to Krishna; the mystery of God in the traditions of Shiva; the cult of the great Goddess; and the spirituality of Mohandas Gandhi and Mahasweta Devi. Clooney offers insights into how people live out these traditions today, continually raising points for comparative reflection, inviting readers to bring their own insights into consideration. 'Hindu Wisdom for All God's Children' provides a fascinating introduction to deep and ancient traditions that will challenge and enrich the quest for the spiritual self. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi's Ascetic Activism Veena R. Howard, 2013-03-25 More than six decades after his death, Mohandas Gandhi continues to inspire those who seek political and social liberation through nonviolent means. Uniquely, Gandhi placed celibacy and other renunciatory disciplines at the center of his nonviolent political strategy, conducting original experiments with their possibilities to gain practical, moral, and even miraculous powers for social change. Gandhi's abstinence in marriage, eccentric views on sexuality, and odd ways of including his female associates in his practices continue to cause ambivalence among scholars and students. Through a comprehensive study of Gandhi's own words, select Indian religious texts and myths that he used, and the historical and cultural context of his activism, Veena R. Howard shows how Gandhi's ascetic disciplines helped him mobilize millions. She explores Gandhi's creative use of renunciation in challenging established paradigms of confrontational politics, passive asceticism, and oppressive social customs. Howard's book sheds new light on the creative possibilities Gandhi discovered in combining personal renunciation, sacrifice, ritual, and myth for modern day social action. |
| gandhi childhood: Mahatma Gandhi Jagdish Saran Sharma, 1955 |
| gandhi childhood: Handbook of International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education Jaipaul L. Roopnarine, James E. Johnson, Suzanne Flannery Quinn, Michael M. Patte, 2018-02-21 The Handbook of International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education provides a groundbreaking compilation of research from an interdisciplinary group of distinguished experts in early childhood education (ECE), child development, cultural and cross-cultural research in the psychological sciences, etc. The chapters provide current overviews of ECE in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, the US, and Canada, and convey how ECE is multi-sectorial, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary, undergirded by such disciplines as neuroscience, psychological anthropology, cross-cultural human development, childhood studies, and political science. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi’s Dharma Koneru Ramakrishna Rao, 2017-09-25 When asked about his message to the world, the Mahatma famously said, ‘My life is my message.’ In him there was no room for contradiction between thought and action. His life in its totality is a series of experiments to convert dharma, moral principles, into karma, practices in action. Gandhi believed that development is a dialectical process stemming from the antinomy of two aspects latent within every individual—the brute and the divine. While the former represents instinct-driven behaviour, the latter is one’s true self, which is altruistic. Gandhi described this process in different fields, most of which are relevant even today. Gandhi’s Dharma is an overview of Mahatma Gandhi—his person, philosophy, and practices. The author asserts that the basic principles governing Gandhi’s thoughts—satya, ahimsa, and sarvodaya—are not relics of the past. Nor are his thoughts an obsolete list of rules. Gandhi’s ideas are dynamic principles perpetually in the making, perfectly adaptable to contemporary life. |
| gandhi childhood: Erik Erikson’s Verbal Portraits Donald Capps, 2014-09-24 In his late teens and early twenties Erik H. Erikson, the widely acclaimed psychoanalyst and developmental theorist, aspired to be an artist. In Erik Erikson’s Verbal Portraits: Luther, Gandhi, Einstein, Jesus, Donald Cappscontends that Erikson’s portraits of respective historical figures not only reflect his artistic gifts but also make a highly creative contribution to psychoanalytic discourse. Moreover, his verbal portraits are vivid and compelling representations of his multifaceted conception of identity. His emphasis on the formative role of the mutual recognition of mother and infant in human portraiture, the importance he attaches to the Self and the sense of “I,” and his use of psychoanalysis as a means to experience the living presence of noteworthy historical figures are especially noted. In addition to his portraits of the four men, his brief verbal portrait of Ruth Benedict is presented, and his personal identification with a fifteenth century painting of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also explored. |
| gandhi childhood: Revolutionary Personality E. Victor Wolfenstein, 2015-03-08 The author takes as his starting point the idea that men who rebel, despite many differences in character, resemble each other in some fundamental ways. He poses three questions: Why does a man become a revolutionist? What attributes of personality enable him to become an effective revolutionary leader? What psychological attributes enable a man to effect the transition to power? By focusing on the personalities of three important revolutionists he hypothesizes a model of a distinctive revolutionary personality. Lenin, Trotsky, and Gandhi are discussed in terms of trust, pride, courage, industry, confidence, and drive-the values that result from the successful management of the problems of the various stages of psycho-sexual growth. Originally published in 1967. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi’s Religious Thought Margaret Chatterjee, 1983-06-18 |
| gandhi childhood: Early Childhood Education Moncrieff Cochran, Rebecca S. New, 2007-01-30 Early childhood education has reached a level of unprecedented national and international focus. Parents, policy makers, and politicians have opinions as well as new questions about what, how, when, and where young children should learn. Teachers and program administrators now find curriculum discussions linked to dramatic new understandings about children's early learning and brain development. Early childhood education is also a major topic of concern internationally, as social policy analysts point to its role in a nation's future economic outlook. As a groundbreaking contribution to its field, this four-volume handbook discusses key historical and contemporary issues, research, theoretical perspectives, national policies, and practices. |
| gandhi childhood: Gandhi's Experiments with Truth Richard L. Johnson, 2006 This comprehensive Gandhi reader provides an essential new reference for scholars and students of his life and thought. It is the only text available that presents Gandhi's own writings, including excerpts from three of his books--An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Satyagraha in South Africa, Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule)-a major pamphlet, Constructive Programme: Its Meaning and Place, and many journal articles and letters along with a biographical sketch of his life in historical context and recent essays by highly regarded scholars. The writers of these essays--hailing from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and India, with academic credentials in several different disciplines--examine his nonviolent campaigns, his development of programs to unify India, and his impact on the world in the second half of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first. Gandhi's Experiments with Truth provides an unparalleled range of scholarly material and perspectives on this enduring philosopher, peace activist, and spiritual guide. |
