Famous Speeches of Mahatma Gandhi There is no need to introduce Mahatma Gandhi. He was one of our nation’s greatest leaders and a key figure in the achievement of India’s freedom. He was the first to use nonviolence as a weapon to combat far more formidable foes. While fighting for the independence of India, he was often imprisoned and tortured by the British authorities. This man’s bravery and unwavering will rocked the core of British control.
Famous Speeches of Mahatma Gandhi
Speech at Madras Reception – 21st April 1915
As mentioned in this lovely message, “If there is anything that we have merited, I can only say that I lay it at the feet of my Master under whose inspiration I have been working all this time in exile in South Africa.”
If a Madrasis has not visited the jails once or twice throughout this horrible crisis that your compatriots in South Africa suffered through over these eight long years, the Madarasis in the big metropolis of Johannesburg view him as dishonoured.
At 1915, Mahatma Gandhi was welcomed in Madras. He mostly gave a speech of thankfulness and essentially recounted the fight in South Africa during his speech in Madras. Additionally, he highlighted the contributions and sacrifices made by Indians in South Africa throughout the civil rights issue. It was the speech delivered in response to Mr. G. A. Natesan’s well received speech on behalf of the South African League.
Mahatma Gandhi Speech at Banaras Hindu University – 4th Feb 1916
The fact that I am required to address my countrymen this evening in a language that is unknown to me under the shadow of this magnificent college in this holy city is a source of immense embarrassment and shame for us.
“What can our self-government be if even our temples are not examples of spaciousness and cleanliness?”
“We must accept self-government if we are to get it. We won’t ever be allowed to have our own government.
Mahatma Gandhi was asked to speak at the founding of the Banaras Hindu University by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Gandhiji criticised the usage of the English language and emphasised the value of using the Indian language for fundamental speech and communication. He also spoke on the significance of cleanliness, particularly in temples and trains, and claimed that if we cannot handle self-government if our cities and temples are not kept clean.
He also criticised the British administration for refusing to grant India its demand for independence and warned that we would be compelled to take it on our own if they did not. One of the earliest speeches in which Mahatma Gandhi vehemently sought independence from British rule, Gandhiji’s speech was hailed as a brave deed and is regarded as the foundation of his freedom struggle.
The Great Trial of 1922 – 18th March 1922
“I make no extenuating circumstances. As a result, I’m here to request and voluntarily submit to the worst punishment possible for what the law considers to be an intentional crime and what, in my opinion, is the highest civic obligation.
“I unwillingly came to the conclusion that the British connection had rendered India more economically and politically powerless than she had ever been.”
Mahatma Gandhi’s testimony at the Great Trial of 1922 was more of a legal declaration than a speech. Mahatma Gandhi was found guilty of inciting dissent against British rule. In his testimony to the judge, Mahatma Gandhi pleaded with the judge to accept all the allegations and impose the worst punishment possible.
He acknowledged that he was solely to blame for several incidences of non-violence that occurred during his movement. The resolve of a man wearing a white item of clothing absolutely shocked the judge in the court since this was the first instance in which a felon wanted the punishment for himself. Gandhiji also condemned the British administration for its brutal and repressive practises in India.
Speech on the Eve of Dandi March – 11th March 1930
Even after we have all been detained, there must not even appear to be a disturbance of the peace. We’ve made the decision to put all of our efforts into a solely nonviolent campaign. No one should act wrongly out of rage. This is my fervent wish and hope.
History is replete with examples of men rising to positions of leadership through pure willpower, boldness, and determination. If we truly desire Swaraj and are eager to achieve it, we should also possess comparable self-assurance.
“Let everyone who is collaborating with the government in any form, whether it is by paying taxes, maintaining titles, enrolling kids in government schools, etc., withdraw their collaboration in whole or to the greatest extent feasible. Then there are women who can fight alongside males, shoulder to shoulder.
Mahatma Gandhi spoke before the Dandi March to a large crowd of about ten thousand people. His speech primarily served as a guide for the civil disobedience campaign. After the Dandi march, he put pressure on everyone to operate in a peaceful and non-violent manner regardless of whether he survived or not. Every group in society was asked to participate in the campaign of civil disobedience and breach British government rules.
He also stressed the role of women in the campaign, urging them to step up and join the men in the cause. His statement had a lasting impact as the civil disobedience campaign, which began with a grain of salt and quickly swept across the country, gained momentum.
Speech at the Round Table Conference – 30th November 1931
When there was no British control and no English face could be seen, were Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs always at battle with one another? Both Hindu and Muslim historians have provided us with chapter and verse to support their claims that even then, we were living in a relatively peaceful environment. And there isn’t even conflict between Muslims and Hindus in the villages right now.
“Let India have what she is legally entitled to and what she can actually accept, but regardless of when or how she receives it, let the Frontier Province immediately receive full autonomy.”
It will be among the most valuable possessions I bring with me. I have only encountered true kindness and affection in this area from everyone I have come into contact with. I’ve interacted with a lot of Englishmen. For me, it has been a great privilege.
Mahatma Gandhi made this statement in front of Indian and British political leaders at the round table conference in London. Gandhiji gently criticised the British government’s “divide and rule” strategy, asserting that the country’s inhabitants lived in peace and there were no conflicts between the various religions; it was the British colonisers’ arrival and their policies that caused the division of the Indian populace.
In his address, he also maintained the demand that India be granted self-government. He expressed his gratitude to the English people for their friendship and for their extreme politeness and compassion.
The Quit India Movement Speech – 8th August 1942
“Our struggle for India’s independence is solely a nonviolent one; it is not motivated by a desire for power. A victorious general has frequently been known to stage a military coup and install a dictatorship during a bloody conflict. However, given how inherently non-violent the Congress system is, there can be no place for a dictatorship.
“Even if some people may scoff, that is what I am saying. I might not have animosity for someone at a time when I could have to begin the toughest battle of my life.
I promised the Congress that it would act, live, or die.
At the August Kranti Ground in Bombay, Mahatma Gandhi gave a speech the day before the “Quit India” campaign. Gandhiji made several significant points in his lecture, but the significance of “Ahimsa,” or nonviolence, was emphasised more than anything else. He said that since non-violence is the core of the working committee’s proposed resolution, anyone who disagrees with it is welcome to gently disassociate themselves.
Additionally, he gave several instances of historical uprisings that used guns yet ultimately failed. Additionally, he reaffirmed that the people of India should not harbour any bitter animosity towards Englishmen since our struggle is against British authority, not the British people. The Quit India speech also made a strong case for the United Nations to do its duty and declare India to be a free country.
He gave the “Do or Die” rallying cry as he wrapped up his speech, promising to fight for Indian independence till his last breath. Mahatma Gandhi publicly challenged the British administration in his address to take India down the path of independence.
Speech on Kashmir Issue, At a Prayer Meeting – 4th January 1948
“War is being discussed everywhere right now. Everyone dreads the possibility of conflict between the two nations. If that occurs, it will be disastrous for both Pakistan and India.
We should at least attempt to reach a deal so that we may live as peaceful neighbours, I shall respectfully say to Pakistan’s responsible leaders, even if we are now two countries, which is something I never desired.
Mahatma Gandhi addressed the current conflict over Kashmir between India and Pakistan during a prayer service on January 4, 1948. Gandhiji was a proponent of nonviolence and peace and never desired hostilities between India and Pakistan. He had always been in favour of conversation systems and wanted both nations to start one in order to resolve their differences. He also stressed the significance of the UN in launching negotiations between the two nations.
Speech on the Day before his Last Fast – 12th January 1948
“The first meal tomorrow is when the fast begins… It will come to an end when and if I am convinced that there has been a coming together of the hearts of all the communities brought about by an awakened feeling of duty rather than any outside pressure.
“For me, death would be a magnificent liberation rather than having to watch in helplessness while India, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam are destroyed.”
The latest racial unrest virtually destroyed Mahatma Gandhi. He was surrounded by the woes left behind by the rioting. He began the fast in order to promote peace, love, and respect throughout the community. Just a few weeks before his murder, Mahatma Gandhi gave his final address on record.
In his address, he placed a strong emphasis on the necessity of fasting as a punishment and a show of opposition to wrongdoing. He asked for racial peace among all of the nation’s neighbourhoods. He was so dismayed by the hostility between the religions that he declared it was preferable to perish than see India annihilated by its own people.
Conclusion
Even though it has been more than 70 years since we gained our freedom, Mahatma Gandhi’s words are still relevant today. The moment has come to adhere to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and go down the road he laid forth. The non-violence teachings of Mahatma Gandhi are becoming increasingly significant in the modern world as there is rivalry over the development of nuclear weapons. It is crucial to follow Gandhiji’s example in order to build a world devoid of weapons and peace.
