Remembering Mahatma: Insights Into Gandhi’s Childhood That Shaped His Legacy –

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, famously known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a multifaceted individual. He was a lawyer, freedom fighter, and politician, among others. His global prominence in modern history arises from his pivotal role in uniting South Africans against British oppression and later leading India’s struggle for independence through a nationwide movement that engaged people from diverse backgrounds. Gandhi’s enduring influence extends far beyond India, making him a subject of study worldwide.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, into a Gujarati Hindu Modh Bania family in Porbandar. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, held the position of dewan in the state. Gandhi was the last of four children born to his father and his fourth wife, Putlibai. Anecdotes from his childhood depict a young Gandhi as restless and mischievous, often indulging in playful activities like twisting dogs’ ears.

While his father’s family belonged to the Modh Baniya caste within the Vaishya Varna of Hinduism, his mother adhered to the Krishna bhakti-based Pranami tradition, which had medieval roots. It was his devout mother who instilled religious values in Gandhi, emphasizing prayers before meals, the observance of rigorous vows, and consecutive fasting. Her influence guided Gandhi toward a deep connection with religious texts such as the Bhagwat Gita and the Bhagwat Puran, nurturing a profound love for these spiritual scriptures. Additionally, the Ramayana played a crucial role in shaping his faith, fostering a deep reverence for Lord Rama.

During his formative years, Indian classics, particularly the stories of Shravana and King Harishchandra, left an indelible impact on Gandhi. In his autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” Gandhi acknowledged the impression these narratives left on him, stating, “It haunted me, and I must have enacted Harishchandra to myself times without number.” These early influences sowed the seeds of his lifelong commitment to truth and love as paramount values, which later became foundational principles of his nonviolent philosophy.