People Who Have Made Us Think > Activism
Mohandas Gandhi
Core Contribution
Mohandas Gandhi was a lawyer and social and political activist, who was able to organize and affect positive change of conditions in countries on two continents. He headed the Indian Civil Rights movement in South Africa and procured Indian voting rights; in India, he spearheaded the independence movement. His ultimate victory was Indian independence from the British, even though this victory was tainted by the separation of India into Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. What was most striking about Gandhi's victories was that he was able to commit not only himself, but thousands of people with fundamental religious and caste differences, to an adherence to non-violent means of civil disobedience. This resistance was based on his belief in satyagraha: a devotion to the truth. Gandhi truly led by shining example by denying himself creature comforts of food, fine clothing and personal security, all in an effort to better the lives of his people. His legacy is immortalized today as a shining beacon of hope, not only in the people of India, but to persons worldwide who are dedicated to the pursuit of peace.
Additional Information
Speech by Gandhi, 17 October 1931, BBC
