Gandhi’s Portrayal in the World

Justin McCreary

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Mohandas Gandhi• Was born in

Porbandar, in Northwestern India.

• Gandhi learned basic ideas of nonviolence from Hinduism, and Jainism.

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Mohandas Gandhi (cont.)

• His family suggested he study law in London.

• In the fall of 1888, Gandhi left for London.

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Mohandas Gandhi (cont.)

• In London, he became familiar with the Bible

• Learned the Christian faith

• Was fascinated by Jesus’ call to forgiveness and nonviolence.

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Mohandas Gandhi (cont.)• In South Africa,

Gandhi experienced racial segregation.

• Dedicated his life towards helping India seek independence from Britain.

• Insisted that his followers remain nonviolent.

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Gandhi and Nonviolence• Ahimsa (nonviolence)

was a fundamental part of his teachings.

• Gandhi named this power satyagraha ( “holding onto truth”).

• Made use of every nonviolent technique imaginable.

• Included marches and demonstrations.

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The Salt March• The Salt March of

1930.• Most recognized of

Gandhi’s nonviolent protests.

• Salt in India was taxed by the British

• He and his followers collected the natural salt left on the beach

• Thus breaking the law.

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Title• Gandhi recognized for

his influence in the British leaving India.

• Writer Rabindranath Tagore called Gandhi Mahatma(“great spirit”).

• Eventually, this became Gandhi's title.

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Gandhi’s End• Gandhi was shot and

killed in 1948 by a Hindu militant.

• Blamed him for the tension between Muslims and Hindus.

• The last words of Mahatma Gandhi were Ram, Ram (“God”, “God”).

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Gandhi’s Example• Even after death,

Gandhi’s example spread across the globe.

• Gandhi's ideology influenced Martin Luther King Jr.

• Used in protests against racial segregation in the U.S.

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Gandhi’s Portrayal

• Mahatma Gandhi has been portrayed, in popular culture.

• When humorous, a comical portrayal of him, his habits, or reference to him.

• When serious, a portrayal that shows respect for Gandhi.

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Bruce Almighty

• God: “I wanted to explain things to you better, but you left so quickly that I never got the chance.”

• Bruce: “That thing with the seven fingers kind of freaked me out.”

• God: “(laughs) I did the same thing to Gandhi once, he didn’t eat for three weeks.”

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Clone High

• In this show, one of the main characters is a clone of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Unlike the real Gandhi, he is nothing more than a party animal.

• Caused a great deal of controversy in the Indian community.

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Gandhi (1982)• A biographical film

about Mohandas ("Mahatma") Gandhi.

• The most acclaimed tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

• Fairly accurate in terms of Gandhi’s life and the Indian struggle for independence.

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Lage Raho Munna Bhai• English: Carry on

Munna Bhai• A 2006 Indian musical

comedy film.• Munna Bhai begins to

see the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi.

• He begins to practice what he calls Gandhigiri.

• This film popularized Gandhism.

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Conclusion• Gandhi greatly influenced the world in his

lifetime.

• His example influenced many recognized people over the years.

• Many portrayals show respect, some choose to mock him.

• “An eye for and eye only makes the whole world blind.”

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Questionnaire

• What was Gandhi’s title?

• What nonviolent event is he most known for?

• How did he die?

• Who is recognized for following in Gandhi’s footsteps?

• Name one of the media portrayals from this presentation.

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Bibliography

• Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World’s Religions Tradition, Challenge, and Change. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999. pp. 111-113.

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