Meaning: The quote "Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed." by Mohandas Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, encapsulates the core principle that defined his life and leadership. Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule, and he is widely recognized for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. This quote reflects his unwavering commitment to nonviolence as both a deeply held belief and a guiding principle in his pursuit of social and political change.

Gandhi's advocacy of nonviolence, or ahimsa in Sanskrit, was rooted in his spiritual and moral convictions. As a devout Hindu, he drew inspiration from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the concept of dharma, which emphasizes righteous action and the avoidance of harm to others. For Gandhi, nonviolence was not merely a strategic tactic but a fundamental moral imperative that governed his personal conduct and his approach to activism. He believed that nonviolent resistance was not only more ethical and just than violent means but also more effective in bringing about lasting and meaningful change.

The phrase "the first article of my faith" underscores the profound significance of nonviolence in Gandhi's belief system. It indicates that nonviolence was not a secondary or negotiable aspect of his philosophy but rather a foundational principle upon which his entire worldview was built. By prioritizing nonviolence as the foremost article of his faith, Gandhi emphasized its primacy in shaping his approach to social justice, human rights, and conflict resolution. This prioritization reflects his deep conviction that nonviolence was not only a means to an end but a moral imperative in and of itself.

Similarly, when Gandhi describes nonviolence as "the last article of my creed," he underscores its enduring importance and relevance in his guiding philosophy. The term "creed" refers to a set of beliefs or principles that guide one's conduct and worldview. By positioning nonviolence as the final article of his creed, Gandhi emphasizes its enduring and non-negotiable nature. This implies that even in the face of adversity, oppression, or conflict, nonviolence remained the ultimate guiding principle that would not be compromised or abandoned.

Throughout his life, Gandhi demonstrated the transformative power of nonviolence through his leadership in various campaigns and movements. From the Salt March to the Quit India Movement, he consistently employed nonviolent resistance as a means of challenging injustice and oppression. His commitment to nonviolence inspired countless individuals and movements around the world and continues to influence advocates of peaceful protest and social change.

In conclusion, Mohandas Gandhi's quote "Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed" encapsulates his unwavering commitment to nonviolence as a foundational principle in his life and leadership. This quote reflects the deep moral and spiritual significance of nonviolence in Gandhi's philosophy, emphasizing its primacy and enduring relevance as both a belief and a guiding principle. Gandhi's advocacy of nonviolence continues to inspire and resonate with advocates of peace, justice, and social change around the world.