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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a political leader in India during the Indian independence movement, and an ideologist. He was a pioneer of resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, a philosophy founded on total nonviolence.

Gandhi quote: I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.

Gandhi is often referred to as Mahatma, or “Great Soul,” and his birthday, October 2, 1869, is commemorated around the world as the International Day of Non-Violence. Gandhi guided India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world with his philosophies and effective non-violent resistance practices.

Gandhi quote: When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it–always.

Gandhi was Hindu and believed all people and religions are equal. Gandhi led campaigns to reduce poverty, expand the rights of women, eliminate religious and ethnic anomosity, end the concept of untouchability, increase economic self-reliance for India, and most of all, win the independence of India from foreign domination.

Gandhi quote: I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life.

Gandhi strove to practice non-violence and truth in all situations, and advocated that others do the same. He lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian clothing that he spun himself and washed himself. He “reduced himself to zero” because he believed public servants should live simply and humbly. He ate simple vegetarian food, and often fasted for self-purification and social protest.

Gandhi quote: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th, 1948 while publicly speaking.

Gandhi quote: You must be the change you want to see in the world.