Last updated on: 11/10/2008 | Author: ProCon.org

Mahatma Gandhi, LLB Biography

Title:
Leader of the Indian Independence Movement
Position:
Con to the question "Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed?"
Reasoning:

“By birth I am a Vaishnavite [a follower of Vishnu], and was taught Ahimsa in my childhood… In its negative form, it [Ahimsa] means not injuring any living being, whether by body or mind. I may not therefore hurt the person of any wrong-doer, or bear any ill will to him and so cause him mental suffering.”

Letter in the Modern Review, Oct. 16, 1916
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
    Experts
Individuals with MDs, JDs, PhDs, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to death penalty issues. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to death penalty issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Leader, campaign for Indian independence from British colonial rule
  • Leader, Quit India Movement, 1942
  • Leader, Salt Satyagraha (non-violent protest of British salt tax), 1930
  • Presided over the Belgaum Congress, Dec. 1924
  • Started 21 day fast for Hindu-Muslim unity, Sep. 17, 1924
  • Founder, Satyagraha Ashram, 1915
  • Founder and Editor, Indian Opinion, 1904
  • Founder, Transvaal British India Association, 1903
  • Joined Ambulance Corps during Boer War, Oct. 17, 1899
  • Founder, Natal Indian Congress, Aug. 22, 1894
  • Lawyer, South Africa, 1893
  • Admitted to the British bar, 1891
Education:
  • LLB, University College, London
Other:
  • Born Oct. 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India; died Jan. 30, 1948
  • Known as “Father of the Nation” of India
Quoted in:
  1. Does Hinduism Support the Death Penalty?