Mohandas Gandhi is one of the most famous leaders for justice in the world. His firm belief in non-violence has been followed by many other important civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Mohandas Gandhi is often called Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma is a term that means Great Soul.
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. He came from an upper class family and his father was a leader in the community. As was tradition where he grew up Mohandas' parents arranged a marriage for him at the age of 13.
His parents wanted him to become a lawyer. As a result, when he was 19 years old he went to London to attend the University. Three years later he returned to India and after moved to South Africa to work. It was in South Africa where Gandhi would experience racial prejudice against Indians and would begin his work in civil rights.
Once back in India, Gandhi led the fight for Indian independence from the British Empire. He organized non-violent civil disobedience campaigns. Gandhi was put in prison several times for organizing these protests.
Gandhi was murdered on January 30, 1948. He was shot by a terrorist at a public prayer meeting in New Delhi, India .
Watch this video that shows what his life it was.