Ghandi Changesd World: Mohandas Gandhi Changed The World

Ghandi Changed the World
Brandie M. West
Columbia Southern University
Abstract
Mohandas Gandhi’s existence in this world inevitably changed it forever. There is no denying this. A man that came from beginnings that would have made change unfathomable, not only stood above the standards of his society, but also joined many others in his quest for a more equal and peaceful system. Not only, did he make an impact in his situation, but he set the standard for generations to come on what the process looks without war and fighting to bring about a massive change in laws and treatment of people. His methods were not only effective for himself, but those that would model his behavior for future endeavors.

Ghandi Changed the World

He was a tradesman by birth (Pettinger, 2011). This placed him in the Vaishya caste, smack dab in the middle of the hierarchal social order (O’Neil, 2006). It was his mother’s influence that is partially attributed to his moral foundation, as she was a devoutly religious person in spite of her lack of educational knowledge. As discussed in our text this system was the heart of social stratification. As a result of this Gandhi started life understandably compliant to the rules and expectations of the society and culture he was born in to. He performed well in school, was notably introverted, and in no way stood out as a child that was destined to change the world. While his father had the respectable title of prime minister to local authority, Gandhi still had a very clear place and path within his community. This led to coordinated marriage at only 13. His meek personality did not prevent him from stepping out of the conformation of life in India and traveling to England to study law, after his father passed away (again in spite of all the push back he received from his local support system) (Lal, 2012). He was richly influenced by the culture around him, and was interested not only in these things but specifically in religion and the teachings of Jesus and Bhagavad Gita. This combined with his legal education began to pave the path for a life peaceful resistance to discrimination with a passion for

It was here that he became more maturely and outwardly aware of the social injustices brought upon a people group as a result of a harsh political system with no rights for its Indian people. It was not just the mere understanding and compassion for others that was born. It was also his direct experience with the dehumanizing treatment at the hands of the European authorities. He took this experience back with him to India, and whether it was with intent or not, he began to build upon his experience and gain a reputation for “saintliness” (Lal, 2012, p. 2) with those he came in contact with. Again, it was not only his physical ability to exude peace and love to people but his educational experience afforded him the ability to write detailed and adequate propositions to facilitate change among his nation. Even more notable is his response to the resistance of authorities, whereby he remained a peaceful opposition in spite of imprisonment. Ultimately, Gandhi’s driving force was to see India a nation independent and at peace. Gandhi, by the late stages of his movement had gained such a following and support that he boldly challenged those that felt and believed in his mission be just as committed as he was to lay down their lives (in the turn your other cheek type of action) in order to see India freed (Lal,