Mahatma Gandhi: Lesser Known Facts About Father of The Nation

Every year, the nation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 2023, also referred to as Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was a simple and talented person who sacrificed a lot for the betterment of society. Around the world, political and social activists are still motivated by his legacy. Here are a few lesser-known facts about him who made a significant contribution to the struggle for India's independence which everyone is grateful for now: 

1. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was Gandhi's first name. 'Mahatma', which roughly refers to 'great soul,' refers to adoration and admiration. In a letter dated 1909, it's believed that Gandhi was initially referred to as "Mahatma" by a friend of his by the name of Pranjivan Mehta. That was several years before he rose to fame on a global level. 

2. Mahatma Gandhi was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize, but he was never awarded the honour.

3. Mahatma Gandhi's burial procession was 8 km long, representing the affection the people had for him. 

4. Gandhi loved football and during his time in South Africa, he founded two teams that were known as the Passive Resisters after Henry Thoreau and Leo Tolstoy's writings.

5. He was in charge of the Civil Rights campaign in 12 nations and 4 continents.

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6. After 21 years since his passing, Great Britain issued a stamp in his memory. The nation he fought for freedom from was Great Britain. 

7. Mahatma Gandhi wore more than just Indian custom while donning his now-iconic white loin cloth and shawl. It was a part of his campaign to persuade Indians to support khadi, a locally produced, hand-spun fabric, rather than wearing foreign-made clothes. 

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8. The renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore gave Gandhi the title of ‘Mahatma’. He said that Gandhi would speak to people in their native language when he reached hut doorways. Tagore also said he considered all Indians to be his flesh and blood.

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