Kasturi Gandhi: A Pillar of Strength in India’s Freedom Movement
.jpg "Kasturi Gandhi: A Pillar of Strength in India’s Freedom Movement")
Kasturba
Mohandas Gandhi
(1869–1944) was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi and a key figure in India’s
struggle for independence. Fondly known as Ba, she was not only a
companion to Gandhi but also a leader in her own right, actively participating
in social reforms and political movements.
Early Life and Marriage
- Birth: Kasturba was born into a wealthy merchant family on 11 April 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat.
- At 13, she married Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in an arranged marriage, as was
customary at the time.
- Despite her lack of formal
education, Kasturba learned to read and write under Gandhi's guidance.
Their partnership grew stronger, with Kasturba supporting Gandhi’s
principles and ideals.
·
South
Africa's role
In 1893, Kasturba traveled with Gandhi to South Africa and joined him in his
early civil rights initiatives.
She was instrumental in inspiring and motivating women to take up the cause of
combating racial prejudice.
Her leadership was clear when Kasturba participated in demonstrations against repressive laws and even faced jail time for her efforts.
In 1893, Kasturba traveled with Gandhi to South Africa and joined him in his
early civil rights initiatives.She was instrumental in inspiring and motivating women to take up the cause of combating racial prejudice.
Her leadership was clear when Kasturba participated in demonstrations against repressive laws and even faced jail time for her efforts.
· Support for the Freedom Movement in India
After returning to India, Kasturba Gandhi played an active role in the struggle
for independence. She wholeheartedly supported Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of civil
disobedience, non-cooperation, and the Quit
India Movement, becoming an integral part of the freedom movement.
·
Kasturba dedicated her life to improving the
status of women in Indian society and was a strong advocate for women’s
empowerment. She worked tirelessly in ashrams and rural
communities, addressing critical issues like education,
sanitation, and untouchability, striving to
uplift marginalized sections of society. Her efforts left a lasting impact on
India’s social fabric.
Imprisonment and Sacrifice
- Kasturba
was imprisoned multiple times alongside Gandhi for participating in
anti-British activities.
- During
her time in prison, she endured harsh conditions, yet her resolve remained
unshaken.
Later Life and Death
- Kasturba’s
health began to decline during her later years, exacerbated by repeated
imprisonments.
- She
passed away on 22
February 1944 at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where she was
imprisoned with Gandhi. Her death was a profound loss to the nation and
Gandhi personally.
Legacy
- Kasturba
Gandhi is remembered as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and
selflessness.
- Her contributions to India’s freedom movement and her commitment to social reform highlight her importance as a leader who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Gandhi