Charles Margerison - Meet Mahatma Gandhi

Welcome to this eStory, which is part of an extensive book and audio series from The Amazing People Club. The story is written in the form of a BioView, which is a short name for a biographical interview.

A BioView is a new concept that reveals amazing stories, as if the person has given an interview about their life. Each of the stories can normally be read in around five to ten minutes and is based on the known facts of the individuals life, alongside what they may have felt about their experiences.

BioViews provide an easy way of learning about people who made major contributions to our world. The unique format and flow enables each persons story to come alive, as if it is being personally told to you. Each of the stories in the series reflects the individuals interests, emotions and passions, as well as their accomplishments.

The amazing people in the series discovered and developed special talents. In doing so, they focused on making significant contributions in times when they had less resources and opportunities than we have today. Their stories show what can be done if one tries.

To what extent do you feel you are using your own time and talents to the best? We hope that the efforts and performances of those in this series will inspire you to further develop your own abilities and achievements.

The career notes at the end provide helpful support information. We trust that you will enjoy this eStory as it can provide ideas and inspiration for your own lifes journey. To explore this book and audio series, please visit
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At the age of 13, I was married

My wife was 14 years old

It was an arranged marriage and we had no choice

That was part of our Jain culture in Porbandar, Gujarat

Our first child was born when I was only 15 years old

Tragically, our child died after only a few days

Medical facilities were poor and many children died young

Over the next 15 years, we had four more children

Therefore, I had many responsibilities

Despite this, I wanted to study law

When I was 18, I set forth to London

I had heard so much about the city from teachers

India, at that time, was under the rule of the British Raj

Many white men from the British Isles were sent to our country

They imposed their law, but could not change our customs and beliefs

Now, I was en route to be a university student in the sahibs country

It was a culture shock to arrive in such a big city

From the heat of India, to the cold and damp of England

From the dusty roads, to the busy streets

From being one of many, to being one of the few

I had gained a place at London University College

Being a long way from home, each day was a challenge

Many lonely days were spent studying law books

My interests were in the principles as much as the practice

Law to me was more a matter of morals than just facts

My early life in Porbandar, influenced me

Most people lived in poverty and hardship

However, we were rich in our faith

My mother guided me in the key principles of the Jain religion

Non-violence was a central principle

The resolution of differences should be through respect

Tolerance and mutual understanding were the keys to progress

By living the spiritual life, one could progress to divine consciousness

These principles, I took to London where I studied logic and reason

Jainist principles, guided me in my studies and social life

Conquering ones own inner enemies is a continual battle

Personal wisdom and self control, are important

Responsibility for ones action, is essential

Those beliefs, guided poor and rich alike where I came from

However, in London I found many different views

Capitalism and communism were more debated than Jainism

Democracy or theocracy?

Debate or dogma?

I held strongly to my beliefs

It meant abstaining from alcohol, sex and vices found in the city

Yet, I absorbed many new ideas and linked them to mine

In 1891, I graduated and was called to the Bar

It sounded a peculiar expression

As if one was about to be served drinks

In reality, it meant that I became qualified as a barrister

Two days later, on June 12 th 1891, I set sail for India

On arriving, I was told my mother had died

Days of sadness followed

Trying to care for my family, I set up a law practice in Mumbai

The lack of clients meant that it was soon closed

Next, I was rejected when I applied for a job as a school teacher

Life was hard and would get even harder

In 1893, I accepted a one year contract in South Africa

South Africa

It was in the British Colony of Natal

Another outpost of Queen Victorias Empire

At last I had some paid work

Immediately, I faced discrimination

At Pietermarizburg, I was removed from a train

I had a first class ticket, but the guard told me to sit in the third class

Several hotels barred me from renting a room

A judge told me to take off my turban, but I refused

My Jainist beliefs told me that action against prejudice was required

The law was not sufficient to protect ones rights

Therefore, I extended my stay, to campaign for civil rights

The Natal Indian Congress was formed, in 1894

Through that organization, the Indian community gained a voice

Returning to India, I persuaded my family to join me in South Africa

Life there, however, was not easy for us

White settlers attacked me in Durban, during 1897

I refused to press charges against those responsible

You must be the change you wish to see in the world

That was my philosophy

It emerged from seeing poverty, injustice and suffering

My aim was to bring about peace and prosperity

It was a life-long quest on various continents

However, in South Africa it seemed a long way away

A publication called Indian Opinion was started

It was a centre point for airing our grievances

In 1906, at the Empire Theatre, Johannesburg, I spoke out

Indian marriages had been declared as not legal

It was one of many speeches and protests

Year after year, they continued

In 1908, I was arrested for leading resistance to inequalities

Two months in prison strengthened my resolve

It was important to stand up for ones beliefs

That included supporting the British in the war against the Zulus

Yet, on the streets, prejudice against Indians remained

In 1913, I led 2500 Indians in defiance of the law

Once again, I was arrested and put in prison

On being released, I travelled to London

There was gloom in the air and on the ground

The First World War was starting

More violence and destruction on a scale not seen before

Could such a conflict occur in India?