What would you do if you were not allowed to go on a shopping spree for a few months? You will definitely go crazy, isn't it? There was a man who abandoned his clothes and lived his entire life by wearing a hand-woven loin cloth and a pair of sandals, a man who deeply believed in the power of non-violence, a man who never ever harmed even the tiniest creature, intentionally. Mahatma Gandhi, the national leader and a spiritual guru, is also known as the 'father of the nation'.

Mahatma Gandhi was a man who believed that a nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Mahatma Gandhi gave the lessons of Satyagraha and Ahimsa (non-violence) to the entire nation during the Indian Independence Movement. Impacts of his teaching are so influential that even today people observe the wisdom he left behind. Let us take a closer look at people who were close to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. (M.K Gandhi)

Mahatma Gandhi's Parents

Born to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai in Kathiawar, Gujarat, Gandhiji's family had an impact on his individuality. His mother Putlibai was a pious and religious lady who had a strong impact on his mind. Though excessively shy he was truthful in conduct. Even before he went to complete his Law degree in England he vowed not to touch wine, women and meat and won his mother's approval to study abroad. Nobody could have ever guessed that a timid young man is going to be the father of the masses in the years to come.

Gandhiji's marital life

Kasturba Gandhi got married to Mahatma Gandhi when she was only thirteen years old. After the birth of their fourth son, Gandhi decided to observe Brahamacharya. There after they did not share the same bed and never had sexual relations again. It is said that Gandhi's decision to abstain from sex put Kasturba in a stressful situation. In his mid thirties Gandhi was totally influenced by the idea of Brahamacharya and he gave away the physical desires.

Gandhiji's children

Harilal Gandhi was the eldest son of Gandhi. There were lots of disputes between Harilal and his father. The recent film, Gandhi, my father highlights the controversial relation between the father and son. Harilal spent most of his life in depression. He became a Muslim convert and alcoholic. Harilal's daughter has written a biography of her father by the name, 'Gandhiji's Lost Jewel: Harilal Gandhi'.

Gandhi's second son, Manilal Gandhi supported his father in his freedom movement. Manilal fought hard against unjust laws of British government.

Ramdas Gandhi, the third son of Mahatma Gandhi was born in South Africa. Though he was never got adjusted to the simple living imposed by his father, he participated in the Independence Movement. Several jail sentences during the Independence Movement affected his health a lot.

Devdas Gandhi was the youngest son of Gandhi. Devdas was an efficient journalist and he edited Hindustan Times. Devdas fell in love with a daughter of his father's associate, at the age of 28 and got married to her by the consent of their parents. Among all the sons of Gandhi, Devdas was believed to be emotionally close to his father.

The man who killed the Mahatma

Nathuram Godse, an activist with Hindu Mahasabha, assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. Nathuram Godse and his group blamed Gandhi for the partition of India, the partition due to which many innocent people lost their lives and families. He shot Gandhi dead on January 30, 1948. He did not regret his actions, he did not run away. When he surrendered to the police immediately after assassinating Gandhi, he explained, "No one should think that Gandhi was killed by a madman"

Gandhi inspires and influences

Gandhi influenced many national and international leaders through out his lifetime and even after that. People who got inspired by Mahatma Gandhi include, former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, leaders of Civil rights movement, Martin Luther King and James Lawson. Gandhi edited a few newspapers in Gujarati, Hindi and English. He was one of the finest journalists. He even inspired a hindi feature film called Lage Raho MunnaBhai based on his values.

Gandhi's autobiography, 'My experiments with truth', describes his struggle for freedom without any violence. Thus, Gandhi's birthday (Gandhi Jayanti) is observed as an international day of non-violence. Let us not leave behind this day as just another national holiday. Let us support non-violence even in chaotic situations. Mahatma Gandhi once quoted, 'I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Non-violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could.'