On October 2, 1869, a remarkable man was born in India. This man's dream was to change humanity for the better. He led India to independence, and initiated social movements that campaigned for non-violence, civil rights and freedom around the world until the end of his life, when he was assassinated in 1948. This man was of course understood, none other than the great
Mahatma Gandhi.
The honorary title of
Mahatma
which in translation means "
The Great Soul"
was awarded to him in 1914, in recognition of all his exceptional merits that forever transformed Indian society. In India he was also called Bapu or "The Father", calling him "Father of the Nation".
In India, his birthday is commemorated under the name of Gandhi Jayanti, being in fact a national holiday, and internationally, October 2 is the Day dedicated to Non-Violence!
Gandhi's philosophy was a practical, praguematic philosophy, oriented towards the outside world, constituting itself in a tool that anyone can use in real life. When asked what his message was to the people, he replied
"My message is my very life!"
To celebrate his birthday (albeit with a little delay), we selected some of his most inspiring quotes, which still have the same major significance today as when they were first uttered!