Essay on Mahatma Gandhi For Students and Teachers

Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation and one of the tallest figures in Indian history, needs no introduction. When people across the world were trying to put their point across by resorting to violence, the Mahatma demonstrated to the world that the toughest battles could be won by the use of non-violence. He is the man who led India to Independence in 1947. His unwavering belief and promotion of non-violence is what makes him one of the most inspirational figures in the world.

Here, we list a few of his beliefs and qualities that students can imbibe, which will also help them build character and appreciate humanity.

As you think, so shall you become

Gandhi ji firmly believed that people were a product of their own thoughts, and what they constantly think and believe in is what they usually tend to become.

There are several things in life that seems insurmountable at first, but armed with proper knowledge, plan and a positive belief its possible to accomplish even the biggest of tasks.

Its important for students to cultivate positive belief, be among people who encourage and are positive in their outlook, and always be in an environment that motivates and supports.Students should develop courage, conviction and a positive attitude if they want to achieve greater things in life. Sustained positive thinking is what helps you overcome the biggest hurdles in life.

Students should also keep themselves away from negative/dirty influences in life, which will distract them from achieving their goals/purpose in life

It’s okay to do mistakes in life

Most Education systems around the world gives a lot of importance to ‘being correct’ all the time. However, the real world is quite different and one often learns his/her most important lessons in life by making mistakes. Learned people often say the more you make mistakes in life, the more you learn.

Gandhi ji was fully aware of this fact and often said that freedom was not worth having if it did not include the freedom to make mistakes.

One should definitely weigh the pros and cons before doing something, but one should not avoid a path or take up something just because there’s an element of risk, or because you might lose. Also, students should learn from their mistakes and be careful not to commit the same mistake again.

One of Mahatma Gandhi’s popular quotes is “Live as if you were to fie tomorrow but learn as if you were to live forever”.

The message to students is to live an exuberant life where you pursue things that your heart longs for. Find activities that keep you engrossed and busy, and keeps boredom away.

Students should also develop a positive attitude towards learning; they should not take it as a chore, but as something that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

Nobody can hurt you without your permission

During their formative years, its important for parents and teachers to help children develop confidence. Its important to motivate them and encourage them to express themselves.

While issues like bullying have to be dealt with, there are occasions when students may find themselves in situations where they could be mocked or insulted for various reasons.

Gandhi ji firmly believed that nobody could hurt him without his permission.

Not reacting at times is not a sign of weakness, but a better course of action at times. Students should not let themselves get affected by loose talks, if it happens once in a while.

Students should also not determine their own worth based on what others around say, unless it is constructive feedback given by parents or teachers.

However, when it comes to the bigger battles of life, Gandhi ji tells people to show courage, stay put, and not run away from the bigger challenges in life.

Don’t be afraid to stand apart from the crowd

Students should have conviction, believe in themselves, and should have the courage to stand apart from the crowd, if the situation demands and if they truly believe in their own self.

When Gandhi ji decided to take on the British rulers by following non-violence means, lot of people mocked him as they felt his approach would never work against the mighty Britishers. However, Gandhi-ji never gave up on his path and beliefs.

Not only it is important to take action, once you have started on a path, you should never give up just because people are against you or are mocking you, because if you’re determined, eventually you’re likely to have the last laugh. “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”.

Be the change that you want to see in the world

There are numerous anecdotes of how Gandhi-ji always practiced what he preached. He believed that once has to first be the change, before they could see it outside.

We spend a lot of effort and energy on trying to change people, and feel most of the problem is with them: they’re selfish, arrogant, bullying, insulting, and so on.

But what about our own self? Most of us know our limitations, weaknesses but we never take the time to address it. Its because its easier to point a finger at others, but difficult to change our own self.

And that is why Gandhi ji tells us to first be the change that we wish to see in others.

So if you want India to be a cleaner place, the onus begins with us and we have to first cultivate the habit of keeping things clean, not just inside our homes but when outside as well.

Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong

Students should learn to forgive & forget, and don’t hold grudges for too long. Gandhiji believed that forgiveness was an attribute of the strong and that the weak can never forgive.

He also believed that use of violence should not be the response to any violent situation. Gandhiji would often say that ‘An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind’.

Again, Gandhiji stresses the point that forgiving, loving others do not make you weak. In fact, it’s the qualities of brave people.

During the riots in Calcutta, a Hindu man kills a Muslim and comes to Gandhiji with a feeling of guilt and asks for how he could atone for his sin. The ‘Mahatma’ asks the hindu man to find a Muslim child who has lost his parents in the riots and raise him as his own.

People in most parts of the world today are taught to be strong, vociferous, ferocious, and intensely pursue things in life. And even if you achieve your goals using these means, it often comes at a cost. That is the reason, even today, experienced people often look towards Mahatma Gandhi for wisdom and inspiration. After all, he proved to the world that strength does not actually ‘mean’ physical strength; one could be gentle yet command gigantic amount of respect. The messages listed here by Gandhiji might seem challenging for students, but it will help them build character, which requires patience and perseverance. Besides, adopting a more humane approach towards most things in life seems to be the need of the hour.

The father behind our struggle

The British crown covered!
With this, as the historians averred
The country met a brutal fate
The young blood furiously boiled
Gave rise to mutiny and ‘Hartals’
But this action was completely spoiled,
As British replied with atis and metals
The primitive minded sat depressed
After which a glow of light scattered
On non-violence this weapon was based
With this the British crown amost shattered
His words ignited the fuel
Which was left unburnt for a time
That energized us to go aginst the cruel
Against the men who did this crime
A leader, to guide the movement
A friend of all the neglected
a teacher to teach every student
A father to unite the departed
Who was he?
A humuan or a heavenly incarnation?
Whoever may be
He is the father of our nation.

Short essay on Mahatma Gandhi (43 Words)

Mahatma Gandhi was a great freedom fighter of India. His full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He is fondly known as ‘Mahatma’ or ‘Bapu’. His birthday is celebrated on 2nd October as Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhiji played a very important role to win Independence for India. He is also called the ‘Father of the Nation’.

Also check this complete resource of Mahatma gandhi.

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