Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly called `Bapu`, was the charismatic leader who paved the way for India`s independence. The ‘Father of the Nation’ was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on October 2, 1869.

Mahatma Gandhi was not only the face of the nation in India`s freedom struggle, but also became an inspirational figure for the Apartheid in South Africa.

Bapu went to the UK in 1891 to study law and entered the British bar, but soon returned to India and started practising in Bombay. Thereafter, he moved to South Africa to join work as a legal advisor to businessman Dada Abdulla. He stayed there for twenty long years and fought for the rights of the Indians. But in 1915, Gandhiji returned to India and devoted himself to the freedom struggle. Numerous freedom fighters were pleased with his personality and the unique way in which he fought.

After this, there was no looking back. Mahatma Gandhi launched movements like the Non-cooperation Movement, Purna Swaraj, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement which shook the British Raj completely. He also gave the people this mantra: "Do or Die". The famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and India`s most well-known writer gave him the title of Mahatma, or `The Great Soul`. Bapu also fought for the eradication of untouchability in the Indian society and addressed the low caste people as `harijans`.

Mahatma Gandhi, symbol of Free India, was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30 January 1948.