Mahatma Gandhi: Know six things you didn't know about him

New Delhi: Mahatma Gandhi, born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 02, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, is one of the immortals the world would never forget. He led millions of Indians with persistence during their struggle against British rule. His teachings are etched on memories of his followers.

Here are a few things you probably did not know about Gandhi:

1. Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, is celebrated worldwide as the “International Day for Non-Violence”.
2. Former British prime minister Winston Churchill had once called Gandhi, who often dressed only in a loincloth and shawl, a half-naked fakir. “It is alarming and also nauseating to see Mr Gandhi, a seditious Middle Temple lawyer of the type well-known in the East, now posing as a fakir, striding half naked up the steps of the Viceregal palace to parley on equal terms with the representative of the King-Emperor.” A statue of Gandhi is now placed in London's Parliament Square near that of Sir Winston Churchill.
3. Mahatma Gandhi, who continues to be one of the strongest symbols of peace and non-violence across the world, was not bestowed with the world’s greatest accolade for peace despite being nominated five times and shortlisted three times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
4. Educated at London University, Gandhi couldn’t succeed as a lawyer in London. Later, Gandhi went to South Africa. He was a victim to the prevalent racial discrimination against Indians in South Africa, which eventually made him raise voice against oppression of Indians in South Africa.
5. Gandhi, also addressed as Bapu, loved walking and often called it the “prince of exercises”. As a student in London, Gandhi used to walk eight to ten miles every day. He was 60 years old when he, along with his Indian followers, walked 241 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in what is popularly known as the `Salt March` or `Dandi March`.
6. Mahatma Gandhi did many experiments with his diet, personal healthcare, and relationships with women.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Godse. His last words are believed to be “He Ram!”