Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948): A political and spiritual leader who pioneered the philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) during India's movement for independence from British rule. He is commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi.
   • Indira Gandhi (1917-1984): An Indian politician and the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Mohandas Gandhi):
  • Gandhi led the famous Salt March in 1930 to protest British colonial laws.
  • The teachings of Gandhi on nonviolence have inspired civil rights movements worldwide.
• Proper noun (Indira Gandhi):
  • Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India from 1975 to 1977.
  • The economic policies of Prime Minister Gandhi were a subject of significant debate.

Advanced Usage

• "Gandhian" (adj): Pertaining to or following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, especially nonviolence and simple living.
  • He follows a Gandhian philosophy of truth and austerity.
• "Gandhism" (n): The body of ideas and principles associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
  • The activist's approach was deeply rooted in Gandhism.

Variants and Related Words

• Mahatma: An honorific title meaning "great soul," often used to refer specifically to Mohandas Gandhi.
• Satyagraha: A central concept in Gandhian philosophy, meaning "truth force" or "soul force," referring to nonviolent resistance.

Synonyms

• Mahatma Gandhi: The Mahatma, Father of the Nation (in India).
• Indira Gandhi: (No common synonyms; referred to by her full name or as Prime Minister Gandhi).

Related Phrases

• Gandhi cap: A white, hand-spun cloth cap, symbolizing self-reliance and the Indian independence movement, often worn by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • The politician wore a Gandhi cap during the rally.
• Gandhi Jayanti: A national holiday in India celebrated on October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Schools are closed on Gandhi Jayanti.

Related Idioms

• (To be) a Gandhi: To exhibit extraordinary patience, nonviolence, or moral leadership (derived from the persona of Mahatma Gandhi).
  • In mediating the dispute, she had to be a Gandhi, showing immense calm and principle.

Noun

1. political and spiritual leader during India's struggle with Great Britain for home rule; an advocate of passive resistance (1869-1948)
2. daughter of Nehru who served as prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 (1917-1984)