Noakhali Correspondent 

The 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated on October 2nd with a whole day of celebration at the Jayag Gandhi Ashram Trust of Sonaimuri Upazila of Noakhali. If the word 'Mahatma' can be broken down, it means 'of the Great Self'. The man known to the world by this name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, India.

In return for his contribution to India's freedom struggle by vowing non-violence, the people of India called him the 'Father of the Nation'. But he is most known as 'Bapu' or 'Bapuji'.

This word 'Bapu' means father. In that sense, the entire nation gave him the respect of a father. Today is the 154th birth anniversary of Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation. The day is remembered with reverence by the people of India. When Mahatma Gandhi was born, the whole of India was going through a period of exhaustion.

A subjugated country, a subjugated race, no other thought could be found in India. From the streets to the streets, there were repeated protests against the British rule. His wife Kasturba Gandhi always gave him courage in his long movement. He was very naive in his family life. He was the father of 4 children.

The names of the children are Harilal, Monilal, Ramdas and Devdas. In 1891, Mahatma Gandhi returned home after completing his barrister degree from London. In 1893, he went to advocate in the British colony of South Africa on a one-year contract. When he went there, he realized that the British rulers had gone too far in violating human rights. Indians were being subjected to extreme insults and discrimination just because their skin color was black.

He found the image of India's governance system in South Africa as well. He continued to fight against apartheid in South Africa for 21 years. He finally returned to the country in 1915. The next 15 years in the establishment of truth and justice began another struggling chapter ofhis life. During these 15 years, the small-looking, soft-spoken man became one of the main figures of India's freedom movement.

Indians have seen one movement after another under his leadership or direction. His 'Satyagraha' movement brought the people of Asmudra Himachal to a stand due to his interest in truth. Brings everyone under the same tree. Gradually he became 'Bapu' or 'Bapuji' to everyone. He wanted to follow his orders. As an ideal leader, his followers wanted to emulate everything.

He imitated his simple and straightforward lifestyle. He did his own cooking. He used to drive the wheel himself. He used to cut the thread of that spinning wheel and use it to make Khaddar's clothes. The image of Gandhiji, thin but majestic in his khadar clothes, has gradually been reflected in the hearts of every follower.

His movement in South Africa for 21 years and in contact with the anti-British movement in India, he was repeatedly imprisoned by the British administration. Calculating the prison terms of different periods of his life, it can be seen that he had to spend 7 years behind bars. But for the sake of justice and truth, he did not look down on the jail. Gandhiji's argument was, 'If I myself know that what I am doing is right, with the support of my own self, then this imprisonment is an honor for me.'

Non-violence, Truth and Equality - India gradually understood how far Gandhi's movement was correct in overthrowing the British throne. History remains a witness to how deeply rooted his philosophy was in the bright path of freedom. India and Pakistan got independence in 1947.

The next year, on January 13, 1948, Gandhiji was deeply saddened by the tragic outcome of the partition of the country. Communal riots started. He sat on hunger strike at the age of 78 to stop this demonic, brutality of the riots. After fasting for five consecutive days, he took food at the request of the country's leaders. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was shot dead by Nathuram Gods on January 30, 1948.

Mahatma Gandhi's life and ideals are still a popular sight in every corner of the world. Even today, whenever the tainted atmosphere of terrorism strikes anywhere in the world, Gandhiji's humanitarianism is remembered. Many people call it Gandhism.

People remember that the peace and harmony of the human race cannot be found through this unnecessary violence and violence. Discrimination between people increases due to violence. New problems arise daily. And that is why this man's unwavering self-belief in the critical moments of the human race gives us the strength of courage. Shows the path, the path where there is honor, there is truth and the bright light reward of faith. Above all, true happiness lies in the path of truth.