Interesting facts about the 'father of the nation' - Mahatma Gandhi

One of the revered personalities of the world, Mahatma Gandhi, led the freedom movement of India to secure independence from 200 years of oppression and discrimination under British rule. Gandhi's inspiring leadership brought him the name, Mahatma.

He was born on October 2, 1869, and every year, this day is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India. He died on January 30, 1948, one year after India’s independence. The day of Gandhiji’s assassination (January 30) is observed as the National Martyr’s day in India.

Here are a few interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi, the champion of Satyagraha (non-violent protest).


Gandhi was married at a very young age

Gandhi was married during his early teens. He married his 14-year old bride Kasturbha Gandhi when he was just thirteen. He had four sons before taking a vow of celibacy for a lifetime.

There is a dispute on who gave Gandhi the title ‘Mahatma’

As per history books, the title of Mahatma was bestowed on Gandhi by Rabindranath Tagore. Nevertheless, the government of Gujarat claims that an unknown journalist who hailed from Saurashtra called him Mahatma for the first time as early as in 1916, even before Tagore met Gandhiji. This matter has been a matter of debate before the High Court of Gujarat for resolution.

Gandhi's birthday is recognised throughout the world

Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, on October 2, is observed as International Day of Non-violence. It is a fitting tribute that the world gave Mahatma for his tremendous achievement and contribution towards politics, philosophy, and society.

Parents and siblings

His father, Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi (also known as Kaba Gandhi), was a Hindu by birth and belonged to the Modh Baniya caste. Kaba Gandhi married four times as his first two wives died young and his third marriage was childless. Putlibai Gandhi was his fourth wife, who bore him three sons and one daughter. Mohandas Gandhi was the youngest son in the family.

Gandhi experimented with different foods

Gandhi followed a vegetarian diet. He wrote a book titled ‘The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism’. Gandhi limited his diet to raw vegetables, curd, fruits, seeds and nuts. He is also known to have favoured goat milk.