Mahatma Gandhi is the global symbol of non-violent resistance and peace. However, the man who liberated India led a life full of surprising experiments and strict discipline. For instance, he wore western suits and practiced law in London before he adopted his simple loincloth. Furthermore, he took a vow of silence every Monday to preserve his energy. Consequently, his personal habits were just as radical as his politics. Therefore, learn the secrets of the Father of the Nation. You will see his legacy clearly.
Mahatma Gandhi
He never actually won the Nobel Peace Prize. Although the committee nominated him five times, they never awarded him the honor before his death.
Mahatma Gandhi wrote letters to Adolf Hitler. In an attempt to prevent war, he addressed the German dictator as “Dear Friend” and urged him to stop the violence.
He took a vow of silence on Mondays. Specifically, he refused to speak for the entire day and communicated only through written notes.
A train incident in South Africa changed his life. After a conductor threw him off a train for sitting in a “whites-only” compartment, he decided to fight racial discrimination.
Rabindranath Tagore gave him the title “Mahatma.” While the world knows him by this name, the famous poet first used the term, which means “Great Soul.”
He walked enough to circle the earth twice. Researchers estimate that he walked nearly 18 kilometers a day for forty years during his campaigns.
He carried his false teeth in his clothes. Because he had no pockets, he kept his dentures in a fold of his loincloth and only wore them to eat.
Mahatma Gandhi married when he was thirteen years old. In accordance with local customs at the time, he wed Kasturba Makhanji in an arranged marriage.
He spoke English with an Irish accent. Since his first teacher was an Irishman, he picked up a distinct lilt that remained with him for years.
The British government hated his spinning wheel. He encouraged Indians to spin their own cloth (khadi) to boycott British textiles, which damaged the colonial economy.
Time Magazine named him Man of the Year. In 1930, the American publication recognized his massive influence on world events.
He experimented strictly with his diet. For periods of his life, he ate only fruit and nuts, though he eventually drank goat’s milk for health reasons.
His funeral procession was eight kilometers long. When he died, over one million people joined the procession to mourn his passing.
He inspired Steve Jobs. Reportedly, the Apple founder wore round glasses specifically to mimic the style of the Indian leader.
Finally, he forgave his assassin before he died. As Nathuram Godse shot him, witnesses claim he gestured forgiveness and whispered “Hey Ram” (Oh God).
