Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, and he became one of the most influential figures in the 20th century. Gandhi's life was marked by a commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience as a means of achieving social and political change. He developed the philosophy of Satyagraha, which emphasized the power of truth and nonviolence. Through peaceful protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience, he aimed to confront injustice, discrimination, and British oppression. One of Gandhi's most significant contributions was his leadership in campaigns such as the Salt March in 1930, which aimed to challenge British salt taxes. His advocacy for self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency, symbolized by the spinning wheel, inspired the Indian masses to participate in the struggle for independence. Gandhi's efforts played a pivotal role in achieving India's independence from British colonial rule in 1947. However, he was not only a political leader but also a moral and spiritual guide. His dedication to simplicity and his belief in communal harmony left a lasting legacy. Tragically, Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by a Hindu nationalist who disagreed with his inclusive philosophy. His life and principles continue to inspire movements for civil rights, freedom, and justice worldwide, and he remains a symbol of peaceful resistance and the pursuit of truth.