“I never saw Gandhi…I do not know his language. I never set foot in his country and yet, I feel the some sorrow as if I had lost someone near and dear,” wrote the Frenchman leon blum, when he heard of Mahatma Gandhi’’s death. Million felt the same, not only in India but the world over, for Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was the only leader in modern history who strove to rule not en, but the hearts of men.

Mahatma Gandhi needs no introduction, nor does the magnanimity of his personality. With the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth), the cornerstones of his ideals, ingrained in his consciousness from childhood Gandhiji’s life is a lesson in quiet determination, unfaltering faith and profound values.

In the legendary words of Mahatma Gandhi himself:

“…for me the road to salvation lies through incessant toil in the service of my country and therefore of humanity.”

“…I recognize no God except the God that is to be found in the hearts of the dumb millions.”

“…how con I talk of God to the millions who have to go without two meals a day? To them, God can only appear as bread and butter.”

“…I may live without air and water, but not without Him. You may pluck out my eyes, but that will not kill mi. you may chop off my nose, but that will not kill me. But blast my belief in God and I am dead.”