Short Story of Gandhiji in English for Kids

The story of Mahatma Gandhi revolves is a short tale of the ‘Father of our Nation,’ and how he conquered his fears to pave a novel of path of non-violence or ahimsa. The story begins with Gandhi's childhood, and then trails towards his university days in South Africa where he experienced racism, and finally culminated with India’s independence from the British Raj propelled by Gandhi's Satyagraha. Young minds can learn a lot from the stories of Mahatma Gandhi, and the many tribulations of his life, as he continues to be an epitome of kindness, benevolence, resistance, and strong will.

The Origin of Short Story of Gandhiji

As we all know, Mahatma Gandhi was a stalwart of the Indian Independence Movement from the early 1920s to the country’s independence in 1947. We lovingly call him ‘Bapu’ and also the Father of the Nation because it was due to his ethical and non-violent ways of resisting the British Raj that gave India its sovereignty back.

Gandhiji first started his Satyagraha, which translates to Movement of the Truth, in South Africa in 1915 where he was pursuing law. After returning to his motherland, Gandhiji realized that India was bereft of any solid leadership, the country was going through economic drain and social anarchy, and was in dire need of an organized movement. He assumed leadership of the  Indian National Congress in 1921, and the rest we all know is history.

Story of Gandhiji Summary

Every year on 2 October, a national holiday is observed in India, and do you know why? The answer is because the Father of our Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on this day in 1969 at Porbandar, Gujrat. Like any other child of his age, Gandhi was mischievous and fun loving, but also a tad bit shy. During his formative years, he learned the valuable lessons of honesty, integrity, and discipline, which his father and mother had taught him.

When Mohandas became a teenager, he also fell into some wrong deeds, and picked up bad habits, but soon outgrew them. He realized his mistakes and repented them by writing a letter to his father. IIt was this honesty and integrity that Gandhi conveyed throughout his entire life, and the various stories of Mahatma Gandhi are a testament to the same.

In 1893, Gandhiji moved to South Africa to practice law and stayed there for 21 years. On his return to India in 1915, Gandhiji embarked on a mission to free India from the British through non-violent forms of resistance. Gandhiji ke nationwide campaigns for poverty alleviation, socio-religious unity, expanding women’s rights, and ending ‘untouchability.’ He devised ‘swaraj’ or ‘elf-rule’ as the ultimate medium for India to gain its freedom.

Gandhiji challenged the British-imposed Salt Tax with his 250 miles Dandi March in 1039, and started the Quit India Movement in 1942. He was imprisoned multiple times for defying British hegemony but always stood his ground. Gandhiji was loved and revered by the Indian masses, as he was able to understand the plight of the commoners and offer them much-needed solace and tangible help.

After more than 25 years of struggle, Mahatma Gandhi was finally able to lead India to its freedom on August 15, 1947. In 1999, The Time Magazine deemed Mahatma Gandhi as the runner-up to the Person of the Century, just below Albert Einstein. Mahatma Gandhi left a legacy, and the world continues to follow his path of nonviolence. Our beloved ‘Bapuji’ inspired many world leaders such as Martin Luther, Nelson Mandela, and Anna Hazare.

Therefore, the life stories of Mahatma Gandhi are a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and love for the nation.

Mahatma Gandhi

Moral of the Short Story of Gandhiji

Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘you must be the change you wish to see in the world.’ His life story has a lot to offer, not only to children but also to adults. Gandhiji did not wait for change to happen in colonial India; he became the change himself, and paved a path for others.

His life story tells us truth always prevails, and ahimsa, or nonviolence is what keeps the world and the ‘righteous’ going. From his childhood until the day he died, Mahatma Gandhi has spread the message of love, peace, and universal brotherhood, qualities that every child should also possess. In today’s day and age of grueling competition and harshness, it is good to teach children about the importance of empathy and patience through the stories of Mahatma Gandhi.

Note to Parents 

Narrating stories about important figures such as Mahatma Gandhi is a good way to develop moral and ethical sensibilities. The life stories of great personalities such as Gandhi or Mother Teresa, Mandela, and their like teach children the importance of being righteous, honest, and strong-willed. And they get a taste of the historical milestones that shape our present. Therefore, parents are encouraged to opt for the Story of Gandhiji PDF so that their kids can become smarter, sharper, and kinder.