The life and traits of the Mahatma

Very few great men in history have been able to influence public opinion, garner the support of the masses and inspire them into action as Mahatma Gandhi. He successfully brought together an entire nation, with population as varied and diverse as that of India, and led them successfully to wage a war against the British rule, while at the same time ensuring that they adhered to non-violent means of conveying their message. Each movement that he organized and led was making the foundation of imperialism and colonialism weaker. His actions spoke of determination and grit, and yet, also of compassion and love. So how did Gandhi, who was an introvert as a kid, transform into this dynamic leader who commanded respect from all over the world with his actions. What were the qualities in him that enabled him achieve what many other greats had tried and failed??

Gandhiji was able to understand human psychology, and was thus able to act in ways that would gain the support of the masses. In spite of being an introvert, Gandhiji was able to strike a chord with the nation because he was able to understand their sentiments and communicate effectively. Empowering the people and thus creating a sense of belongingness: this came naturally to Gandhiji. He was able to make his followers feel that they were important to the cause, thus ensuring that all of them gave their 100% to the cause. Another of his most important traits was negotiation skills. He was able to juggle between parties with opposing demands and needs, and still manage to keep both happy. In his initial days, he had to handle conversations between Congress and the government, which he managed wonderfully well, without allowing any tiffs to blossom. Later on, he himself held negotiations with the government, conveying his stand and demands, and in these cases, he was able to effectively communicate his demands

Above all these unique traits, the most important aspect of Gandhiji’s leadership was love and compassion. No matter what the intensity of the situation was, and no matter how many number of people were there to support, he ensured that the entire struggle headed by him was totally non-violent. This endeared him further to his followers and he was able to gain the trust and support of all thus. His simple way of living and unexaggerated ways ensured that he gained the attention of the public for all the right reasons, and people looked up to him, and yearned to follow him. He was able to establish his credibility very early in the struggle through these actions, and thus was able to get all the support he required when there was a need for it.