Mahatma Gandhi ( Mohandas Karanchand Gandhi)

Name:
Professor:
Course:
Date:
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian leader that was revered worldwide for his characteristic philosophy of nonviolent passive resistance. He was a key figure during the struggle for independence in India. Moreover, Mahatma Gandhi was also known for his activism work, which he started as an immigrant in the South Africa (Howard 479). According to Fischel & Richard, Mahatma Gandhi was also known for his “ascetic lifestyle where he used only to dress in a loincloth together with the shawl” (41). This type of dressing was characteristic dressing code for the Hindu faith. As an activist, Mahatma Gandhi suffered a great deal on behalf of the less privileged and the oppressed in the society. He was imprisoned on several occasions and even went through several hunger strikes as a way of protesting against the oppressive regime and injustices in India. Apart from fighting for the rights of the less fortunate in the society, Mahatma Gandhi also took center stage as far as linking both Muslims and Hindus living in India together is concerned. However, the good work of the Mahatma Gandhi was cut short in the year 1948 when he was shot dead by the Hindu fundamentalist in Delhi (Fischel & Richard 43). It can be argued that Mahatma Gandhi was an exemplary leader, therefore, the paper will strive at covering the lessons that can be learned from his life. Such lessons include the need to lead a simple and productive life, the need to be yourself and selfless, and to keep in mind that the mind is always stronger than the body.

Lead a simple and productive life
From the life of the Mahatma Gandhi, there are several lessons that can be learned. One of such lessons according to James includes “the need to lead not only simple, but also productive life” (3). It is important to note that Mahatma Gandhi chose to relinquish all that were deemed to be luxury and survived with only the basic commodities. Therefore, from this quality, it can be argued that it is possible to lead a simple but a productive life. Moreover, since Gandhi chose simple life and become renowned for being one of the most devoted spiritual leaders to grace India, frugal and simple lifestyle is the key towards achieving spiritual fulfillment (Brown 52).
Always be yourself and selfless
Being yourself is one of the important ingredients that is essential for achieving an individual goal. Mahatma Gandhi also believed in himself. In fact, he refused to let go of his values regardless of who he met or where he went. A good example, in this case, was his visit to the Buckingham Palace in London (Howard 481). Instead of wearing the classy and official outfit, he decided to wear his characteristic simple attire. When he was asked why he chose to wear the simple attire, he joked by claiming that the king had already worn enough clothes that were adequate for both of them. From this experience, it can be learned that it is important to stick to the moral values that we believe in regardless of the cost at stake (Dhiman 31).Another lesson that we can learn from the life of the Mahatma Gandhi, according to James is “the need to exercise selflessness” (4). Before becoming the activist for the oppressed people, Gandhi was a barrister. The decision to resign as a barrister was an ultimate sacrifice that Gandhi made for the sake of the oppressed people. Though some people can call this narrow-mindedness, it is indeed a wake-up call that people live in a world that can be said to be diverse and wide. Therefore, personal achievement is less important than the collective achievement of the multitudes. Consequently, it is prudent for us to put aside our personal interest for the sake of the less privileged in the society (Brown 54).
The mind is always stronger than the body
The common saying that the mind is always stronger than the body was exhibited by the Mahatma Gandhi. It is only a strong mind that can withstand several torments without thinking of either retaliation or flinching (James 7). Gandhi alongside his nonviolent followers proved this by exercising superiority of the mind at the moment of the physical pain. Therefore, from this experience, it can be deduced that it is possible to develop the individual mind in a constructive way with the intention of developing both mental and physical courage at the time of need (Dhiman 34).
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi used every setback in his life as a springboard for the future success. His 21 years in South Africa were characterized by the racial injustices and indignities. From this experience, he came up with the principles that he used during his later stage of life, not only as an activist but also as a leader. The first principle he learned from the experience is the need for the independent as a nation. This principle helps him to fight for freedom for his country India. The second principle is the need to develop love, truth, and nonviolence approach towards those who wrong us. Therefore, from this quality of the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, it can be deduced that every bad circumstance in life is a lesson that when earnest properly can result in a life changing scenario. As a result, it is always important to focus on the positives rather than the negatives when faced with the challenges of life. This is because every challenge in life presents an opportunity for learning important lessons that can be used later in life (Fischel & Richard 49). Therefore, it can be deduced that Mahatma Gandhi indeed lived an exemplary life that can provide much needed lessons not only for the leaders, but also for everyone else.

Works cited
Brown, Judith M. “Gandhi as Nationalist Leader, 1915-1948.” The Cambridge Companion to Gandhi
1st ser. 21.3 (2002): 51-67 (Journal).
Dhiman, Satinder. Gandhi and Leadership: New Horizons in Exemplary Leadership. 2nd ed. Vol. 8.
New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015. Print (Book).
Fischel, Emma, and Richard Morgan. Mahatma Gandhi. 3rd ed. Vol. 5. London: Franklin Watts, 2002.
Print (Book).
Howard, Edwin. “The Life of Mahatma Gandhi.” International Affairs (Royal Institute of International
Affairs 1944- ) 27.4 (1991): 479-82 (Journal).
James, Julian. “10 Lessons We Can Learn from Mahatma Gandhi.” Monsters & Critics Top Ten Lists. 26 Oct. 2016. Web. 07 Dec. 2016.