Ireland year 1969 stamps – Birth Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi MNH

Ireland year 1969 stamps – Birth Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi ☀ MNH**

Mahatma Gandhi, was born in Porbandar, Kathiawar, India, on October 2, 1869, to Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi and his fourth wife, Putlibai. In 1882, he married Kasturbai Makanji, with whom he had five children. Gandhi’s early education took place at Samaldas College in Bhavnagar, but he left after one term. Encouraged by his family to pursue law studies, he traveled to London in 1888.

Arriving in London in September 1888, Gandhi initially settled in West Kensington after brief stays in other areas. He attempted to adopt an English lifestyle but soon embraced a more frugal lifestyle due to financial constraints. Gandhi pursued his law studies and passed examinations while engaging with various Indian societies and communities in London. He also adhered to his promise to his mother to abstain from eating meat, becoming involved with the London Vegetarian Society and the Theosophical Society.

Returning to India in 1893, Gandhi practiced law and became involved in social and political issues, particularly in South Africa, where he fought against discrimination faced by Asians. By 1906, Gandhi emerged as a leader representing Indian interests in Natal and Transvaal. He traveled to London multiple times to advocate for Indian rights in South Africa, meeting with British officials and Indian leaders.

In 1909, Gandhi expressed concerns about the status of educated Indians and visited London to address these issues. During subsequent years, he received invitations to return to India and visited London again in 1914, shortly after the outbreak of World War I. In London, he met prominent figures and established the Indian Volunteer Corps before departing later that year.

Gandhi’s political activism in India intensified from 1919 onwards, advocating for nonviolent resistance (satyagraha) against British rule. He became a key figure in the Indian nationalist movement and represented the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931. Despite his efforts, India did not achieve independence following the conference.

Returning to India, Gandhi continued to lead various movements, including the Quit India Movement in 1942, which called for British withdrawal from India. Tragically, Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse in New Delhi. His legacy as a proponent of nonviolence and civil disobedience remains influential worldwide.