Zeezeez biography of mahatma gandhi in english

Born in the small town of Porbandar in present day Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi was hands down the most influential personality in Indian history and politics. His works, writings, and ideals have been some of the most important teachings, and have shaped the world in so many ways. A beacon of truth and nonviolence, he’s remembered fondly, and thoughtfully, each year on his birthday, the 2nd of October, which is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.

In 2007, the UN also announced it as the International Day of Non-Violence, marking Gandhi’s contribution to world politics and peacemaking. On Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, prayer services are held at his memorial in New Delhi, Raj Ghat. Leaders from all around the world pay their tributes, and all across the country, his statues are garlanded, and the celebrations in schools and colleges generally take place a day prior. 
The interesting thing about Gandhi Jayanti is that it is observed not only in India but many other parts of the world too, especially South Africa, and if you know about his history, you’d know why.

Mahatma Gandhi’s early life

Born to the dewan of Porbandar, Karamchand Gandhi and his wife Putlibai, MK Gandhi was a passive child. He was also a quite mediocre student, who was neither seen active in the playground nor much interested in the class. What did get him going was long solitary walks. His father had been ailing, and his mother was a devout housewife who only focused on her family, and following her religion, and Gandhi in his own words, for the early part of his life was a child who had learnt to “to carry out the orders of the elders, not to scan them”.

This eventually went for a toss as soon as he entered the rebellious teenage period. He not only smoked but also ate meat which was quite an abomination in the Vaishnava community he was born in. By the time he was 13, MK Gandhi had gotten married to Kasturba Ben

Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd every year, marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation in India. In 2024, this significant day will commemorate Gandhi's 155th birthday. As we honor his legacy, it's essential to reflect on the history and significance of this day, which continues to inspire millions around the world. 

Who Was Mahatma Gandhi? 

Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, was a prominent leader in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. He is revered as the "Father of the Nation" for his commitment to non-violence and his role in promoting civil rights. Educated in law at University College London, Gandhi initially worked in South Africa, where he fought against racial discrimination. His experiences there shaped his philosophy of non-violent resistance, known as Satyagraha, which became instrumental in mobilizing the Indian populace against colonial rule. 

Gandhi's approach combined political activism with spiritual principles, advocating for self-reliance and communal harmony. His leadership during critical movements like the Salt March and Quit India Movement solidified his status as a national icon. Tragically, Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, but his teachings on peace and non-violence continue to influence movements for social justice around the world. 

Gandhi Jayanti: Date and Celebration 

Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2nd, a date declared as a national holiday in India. The day is observed with various events, including prayer meetings, memorial services, and cultural programs in schools and institutions. The most prominent celebrations take place at Raj Ghat in Delhi, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Political leaders, dignitaries, and citizens gather to pay homage by laying wreaths and offering praye

2007 Indian biographical drama film

Gandhi, My Father is a 2007 Indianbiographicaldrama film by Feroz Abbas Khan. It was produced by Anil Kapoor, and released on 3 August 2007.

The film stars Darshan Jariwala, Akshaye Khanna, Bhumika Chawla, and Shefali Shah.

The film explores the troubled relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his son Harilal Gandhi. The film is based upon the biography of Harilal Gandhi, titled Harilal Gandhi: A Life by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal. Khan's play, Mahatma vs. Gandhi, while different from this film, had a similar theme which was based on a novel by Gujarati author Dinkar Joshi. The film was shot in South Africa and in several Indian cities, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Plot

Gandhi My Father paints the picture of Gandhi's intricate, complex, and strained relationship with his son, Harilal Gandhi. From the onset, the two had dreams in opposite directions. Harilal's ambition was to study abroad and become a barrister like his father, while Gandhi hoped that his son would join him and fight for his ideals and causes in India.

When Gandhi does not give Harilal the opportunity to study abroad, it comes as a blow to Harilal. He decides to abandon his father’s vision and leaves South Africa for India, where he joins his wife Gulab and children. He goes back to further his education to earn his diploma but continuously fails and ends in financial ruins. Various plans and schemes to make money fail, leaving the family in poverty. Sick of his failure, Gulab returns to her parents’ house with the children, where she eventually dies from the flu epidemic. Distraught, Harilal turns to alcohol for solace and converts to Islam, only to revert to a different sect of Hinduism later on. With political tension heating up, the rift between Gandhi and his eldest son grows until it is beyond repair. Harilal finds it unbearable to live in the enormous shadow of

Mahatma Gandhi did not appear in the Indian currency notes immediately after India's independence in 1947. Mahatma Gandhi's portrait has been featured on Indian currency notes for over five decades. However, the notes featuring Gandhi's portrait were first featured during a special series that was issued to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary in 1969.

The Reserve Bank has the sole authority to issue bank notes in India. Reserve Bank, like other central banks the world over, changes the design of banknotes from time to time. The Reserve Bank has introduced banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series since 1996 and has so far issued notes in the denominations of Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 1000 and Rs 2,000 in this series. These notes contain distinct easily recognizable security features to facilitate the detection of genuine notes vis-à-vis forgeries.

Today, on Gandhi Jayanti, let's explore the story behind Gandhiji's portrait placement on Indian banknotes.

Ashoka Pillar on currency notes till 1950

After India gained independence in 1947, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) continued to issue colonial-era notes depicting King George VI. In 1949, the government replaced King George with the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in the 1-rupee notes. Banknotes in 1950 in denominations of 2, 5, 10, and 100 featured the Lion Capital watermark.

Mahatma Gandhi's appearance on Indian currency notes

In 1969, the RBI introduced a new 'Mahatma Gandhi Series' banknote featuring advanced security features. That year was the 100th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The series featured a picture of Bapu's Sevagram Ashram. For the second time in 1987, Gandhiji's picture was printed on Rs 500 note.

In 1996, Gandhi got a permanent place on currency notes

In 1996, currency notes started to be printed with Mahatma Gandhi's picture with the Ashoka Pillar