Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948):
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.” Throughout his life Mahatma Gandhi did things that were inspirational, things that nobody thought he could do and made sure that he lived up to this line said by him.
Mahatma Gandhi, known throughout India as the “father of the nation,” was a powerful voice for peace during a very volatile time in India’s history.
Here are some interesting Gandhi facts that offer a small glimpse into the life of the father of India:
Mahatma Gandhi was born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The honorific title Mahatma, or “Great Soul,” was given to him in 1914.
Gandhi was actually a philosophical anarchist and wanted no established government in India. He felt that if everyone adopted nonviolence they could be self-governing.
Through a prearranged marriage, Gandhi was wed at age 13; his wife was one year older.
Gandhi and his wife had their first child when he was 15 years old. That child died a few days later, but the couple did have four sons before he took a vow of celibacy.
Mahatma Gandhi walked/traveled almost 18 kilometers a day throughout his lifetime which is enough to walk around the world twice over.
Gandhiji was not present during Nehru’s tryst of destiny speech to celebrate independence.
He was thinking of dissolving the Congress a day before he died.
Steve Jobs was a fan of Mahatma Gandhi – his round glasses are not only similar but also a tribute.
Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize 5 times.The committee regrets not giving him the Nobel Peace prize to this day as the award is never given posthumously.
Mahatma Gandhi’s image has appeared on all denominations of Indian rupees printed since 1996.
An urn that once contained Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes is now at a shrine in Los Angeles.
To honor Gandhi’s message of nonviolence, the United Nations declared October 2 as the International Day of Nonviolence. This went into effect in 2007.