Gandhiji, we respect you.

MK Gandhi played an instrumental role in helping India gain independence. He led the nationwide protests against Britain and employed the ideology of 'Satyagraha' and was revered to such an extent that he was named 'Mahatma'. How exactly did Gandhi develop his concept of 'Satyagraha'?

A barrister by profession, Gandhi was sent by the Diwan of Porbandar to complete some legal proceedings in South Africa. On his way to the destination, he took a train, only to be thrown out at Pietermaritzburg. Behind schedule, as last resort, he climbed onto the Wagons transporting the British public and hung on the back railing, since non-whites were not allowed to sit in the wagons. The British were peeved seeing brown hanging from their wagon and tried to poke and hurt him in an attempt to make him fall. Inspite of all the pressure and the numerous taunts, Gandhi stuck to the railing and didn't fall down.

Soon, the British got tired of the 'game' and let Gandhi travel. Hanging by the wagon on one hand, Gandhi had an epiphany. He realized that if one is convinced about his stand and sticks to it, no matter what may come, he will succeed. He also realized that it is easier to stand your ground if you are fighting for the truth. In short, if you know in your heart that you are true, you can stand your ground, protest in a non-violent method and achieve your goals.

Gandhi experimented with this theory in South Africa and achieved great success. He used his fine-tuned version of 'Satyagraha' in India to help one-sixth of the humanity gain independence and make its voice heard.

Gandhiji, we respect you.