Known as 'Mahatma' (great soul), Gandhi was the leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule, and is widely considered the father of his country. His doctrine of non-violent protest to achieve political and social progress has been hugely influential.

Sources:

1. http://rena.wao.com/gandhi/timeline.html

2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/gandhi_mohandas.shtml

3. http://www.kamat.com/mmgandhi/mkgtimeline.htm