Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He came from a varied family, which deeply shaped his beliefs. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar. This job taught Gandhi a lot about how government and policies work. These experiences sparked his interest in fighting for change in society.

Family Values and Influence

1. Ethical Foundations:

   • Gandhi's mother, Putlibai, was very religious and followed Hindu traditions. She was a vegetarian and believed in non-violence, or ahimsa. These values greatly affected Gandhi and made him focus on doing what is right.
   • The principles in their family mirrored the wider culture of India, which valued kindness, truth, and helping others.

2. Educational Environment:

   • Gandhi was raised in a home that really valued education. He was encouraged to read many books.
   • One of the important texts he read was the Bhagavad Gita, which talks about doing your duty and acting with fairness. This shaped his thoughts about what is right and wrong.
   • He also read works by Western thinkers like Henry David Thoreau and Leo Tolstoy. These books helped him understand ideas about fighting against injustice.

Social Context and Early Experiences

• At just 13 years old, Gandhi had an arranged marriage with a girl named Kasturba Makhanji. This experience played a role in how he viewed gender roles and social issues.
• While living in South Africa, Gandhi faced discrimination, which made him passionate about fighting for civil rights and social justice.

Statistical Insights

• Gandhi's family was part of a huge community of over 200 million Hindus in India, and their values influenced his own beliefs.
• When Gandhi returned to India in 1915, he had already spent more than 20 years in South Africa, where he worked hard to unite the Indian community to fight for their rights.

Conclusion

Gandhi's background, filled with religious, ethical, and educational influences, laid the groundwork for his beliefs in non-violent resistance and social justice. These ideas had a significant impact not only in India but all around the world.