1. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Karamchand was the name of his father. The honorific title Mahatma, or "Great Soul," was given to him in 1914.
Gandhi fought for much more than independence. His causes included civil rights for women, the abolition of the caste system, and the fair treatment of all people regardless of religion.
His mother and father had different religious traditions.
1. Gandhi demanded fair treatment for the untouchables, India’s lowest caste; he underwent several fasts to support the cause. He called the untouchables harijans, which means "children of God."
Gandhi ate fruit, nuts, and seeds for five years but switched back to strict vegetarianism after suffering health problems.
Government nutritionists were called in to explain how Gandhi could go 21 days without food.
. The British government wouldn't allow official photos of Gandhi while he was fasting, for fear of further fueling the push for independence.