Civil Rights Movement of Mahatma Gandhi

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An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. These were the wise words of one of the greatest men who lived in this world. He is none other than the honorable Mahatma Gandhi. His non-violent movement led to India’s independence from the imperial British rule. Doing my research on him, I’ve learnt that every country has potential; all it needs is great leadership, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. According to renowned writer Stanley Wolport, the writer of the book “Gandhi's Passion: The Life and the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi”, Gandhi gave up his pleasures as a British barrister, sexual relations with his wife and other luxuries of life so that he could focus on helping Indians. First I would talk about what led Gandhiji to start his lifelong civil rights movement. Second, I will discuss about his role in the independence of India. Finally, I will discuss how he influenced different people and civil rights movement around the world. I. Gandhi’s view on the British Empire changed during his time in South Africa which led him to take part in the civil disobedience movement. A. Gandhi believed in white supremacy at the beginning of his career as a lawyer. According to Uma Majumder, the writer of the book,” Gandhi’s Pilgrimage of Faith”, Gandhi’s beliefs changed after an incident when he was thrown out of a train because he refused to vacate his seat from the first class even though he had a first-class ticket. B. He witnessed great discrimination and oppression towards Indian minorities in South Africa. Eventually, he started his civil rights movement. He helped Indians fight for their rights in South Africa and led many successful campaigns which forced the government provide better rights to Indians. C. He then founded Natal In... ... middle of paper ... ...zine in 1930. C. In 2010, U.S. president Barack Obama said “I am mindful that I might not be standing before you today, as President of the United States, had it not been for Gandhi and the message he shared with America and the world”. D. After all the things he did for his country, he was assassinated on 30th Jan 1948 by a Hindu extremist who believed that Gandhi was too liberal towards people of other faith. He sacrificed his life in order to bring peace and unity amongst men of different kinds. He was killed but his legacy will live on. He proved that every objective can be achieved without any violence. Gandhi believed and held on with his principles of non-violence. He showed us a path towards peace. It is now up to us to decide to choose it or not. I would end this speech with Gandhi’s words of wisdom. Be the change you wish to see in this world.

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