One cannot talk about modern day India without reference to Mohandas K. Gandhi, the man called Mahatma ("great soul") by millions. I have always been inspired by the example of Mahatma Gandhi, whose practices of non-violence, political and social activism, and servant leadership fundamentally changed India and the world. While in Delhi last week, I went to several places that were significant in Gandhi's life and the history of the country. At age 78, after decades of leadership to advance the cause of freedom, independence from British rule, and worker's rights, Gandhi had settled down to a life of prayer, writing, contemplation, and simplicity in a single small room in Birla House, a compound near the center of Delhi. He had led India to independence from colonial power Great Britain and became the country's first leader . . . a visionary and spiritual one, who lived his beliefs in simplicity, ethics, and righteousness. On January 30, 1948 he was assassinated by a Hindu extremist near his residence while walking to evening prayers. His former home has been converted into an inspirational museum, called the Gandhi Smriti. The path to the site of his death is reconstructed with his footsteps, ending with a simple pillar. His cremains are interred a short way from there at a beautiful public memorial park called Rajghat. For more about this incredible man's meaningful life, click here.
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| Gandhi's grave and eternal flame |
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| On display are Gandhi's only possessions at the time of his death: some cutlery, a walking stick, a scythe, watch, and glasses. |
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| He lived simply with a mattress on the floor, a writing desk, and a spinning wheel to make his own clothes. |
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| Memorial marking the spot of Gandhi's assassination |
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