And I think he made the greatest discovery – that non-violence was a key organizing principle that anybody could use in almost any situation.'

'He had the courage to go against the trend of the times, which was a disastrous trend, and to rediscover an ancient wisdom and craft it in a way that modern (people) could use it and understand it. Gandhi expert Michael Nagler believes that is the reason they are still modern today. Gandhi's teachings are convincing, consistent, and coherent. Ben Kingsley played Gandhi in the Oscar-winning Richard Attenborough film Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Bildarchiv His transformation into the spiritual and intellectual leader of the Indian struggle for independence was a long process – one aspect that fascinates so many of his followers. It is said that he often acted violently toward his wife Kasturba at the beginning of their marriage.

He also had his dark side, especially in his younger years. But Mahatma Gandhi, who was once portrayed by Ben Kingsley in the Oscar-winning film by Richard Attenborough, was not always the icon proudly presented on the Indian rupee. His teachings are popular throughout the world. Mahatma Gandhi's life and philosophy have become legend. His teachings continue to inspire people the world over – from Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama through to Aung San Suu Kyi. Gandhi's legacy has been carried down for generations.

Mahatma gandhi full name