Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who led India’s movement for independence from British rule. He is best known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or satyagraha, which became a powerful tool in civil rights movements around the world. Gandhi played a crucial role in uniting diverse groups in India to achieve freedom in 1947. He is often called the “Father of the Nation” in India.