Arguably the most important and influential figure in the Indian independence movement was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu. Gandhi believed in the need to strive for non-violence in all situations and advocated that all others follow him in his actions. Through completely passive protests and non-violent actions, Gandhi… The Mahatma completed many individual journeys, such as leading Indians in their protest against the British-imposed salt tax with the Dandi Salt March of 250 miles in 1930. Thanks to his civil disobedience, he was repeatedly imprisoned for many years in South Africa and India. Gandhi was an inspiration to millions of people around the world, including many famous human rights activists and political leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and John Lennon. His beliefs appeal to ethnic minorities all over the Earth and his teachings have been the basis of his followers' lives for decades. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in a coastal town in what was then British India. According to many sources, Indian classics, particularly the stories of Shravana and Maharaja Harishchandra, played an important role in influencing Gandhi's core beliefs. In his autobiography he admits that they left an indelible impression on him. He writes: "It haunted me and I had to play Harishchandra on several occasions." On September 4, 1888, Gandhi visited London, England. There he was enrolled at University College London where he studied Indian law and jurisprudence. He also became interested in religious thought at this time and began reading Hindu and Christian scriptures. After a failure... in the middle of the newspaper... Gandhi had announced that the campaign was finally over, and although there had been much bloodshed, the people of India could finally rejoice. Gandhi's work had liberated India from the tyrannical grip of Britain. On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was shot dead as he walked towards a platform from where he was to address a prayer meeting. The assassin had connections that indicated he was a Hindu nationalist and a staunch opponent of Gandhi's campaigns. The assassin was later tried, found guilty and executed. Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi bears the epitaph "Hē Ram", which translates to "Oh God". Many first-hand witnesses have stated that they believe these to be Mohandas K. Gandhi's last words. These are fitting final words for a man with such powerful religious and ethical convictions and who dedicated his life to shaping the world we know today..