Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British rule. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, becoming an international symbol of peace and freedom. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth force, has influenced prominent leaders and political movements globally. Revered in India as the 'Father of the Nation,' his birthday is commemorated as a national holiday and internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence.