Growing up in India, Mohandas Gandhi (moh-HAHN-das GAHN-dee) never dreamed he would one day be an inspiration to the world. But today, he is remembered as a person who changed history.
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. At the time, India was under British rule. Indian people were treated unfairly by the British government. Like many others, Gandhi hoped his country would gain independence. So he decided to take action to change the situation in India.
For nearly 30 years, Gandhi led a movement for India’s freedom. He believed in bringing about change through peaceful marches and protests. He started boycotts of British goods. In 1930, Gandhi famously protested a salt tax by walking 241 miles to the sea for his own salt.
In 1947, his efforts paid off when India gained its independence. Sadly, Gandhi was killed a year later. But his peaceful work continues to inspire people today, 150 years after he was born.