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Mrs. Smolyn
Social Studies, 8-X
20 February 2015
Research Paper Outline
Title: Mahatma Gandhi: A True Humanitarian
Introduction
I. “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this walked the Earth in
flesh and blood.” (Lucidcafé Online).
a. Albert Einstein, MLK, and Nelson Mandela are only some of the key figures of the
20th century that were awed and inspired by the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.
b. Born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. At the time, and for many years
afterwards, India was under the control of the British Empire. Until very late in his life,
Gandhi essentially had no idea what it was like to live in a free nation. (Lucidcafé
Online).
c. Particularly because he played an extremely vital role in the freeing of India from the
rule of the British, his means of protest were always non-violent and he strived to gain
rights for those who have none, Mahatma Gandhi is a humanitarian. (Lucidcafé Online).
Body I
I. Mahatma Gandhi was without question the most key figure in India’s struggle for
independence.
a. He led countless protests against the Brititsh while in India; including the noncooperation campaign of 1920 and the Salt March of 1930. (Lucidcafé Online).
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b. Gandhi was extremely devoted to the cause of winning freedom for India. He was
arrested several times and he served a total of over seven years in jail for his numerous
protests. Even at times where the cause seemed lost, Gandhi continued to fight for over
twenty-five years.
c. Perhaps equally impressive as his efforts to free India is how Gandhi was able to
accomplish what he did without employing any violent tactics.
Body II
I. In a century that saw the bloodiest wars and conflicts in recorded history, Mahatma
Gandhi was one of the soul people that took a path of peace. (Lucidcafé Online).
a. Instead of inciting the Indian people to violently rebel against the British, Gandhi
encouraged Civil Disobedience, which was basically not listening to what the British
were telling them to do.
b. Far from being a warrior, Gandhi made strides towards accomplishing his goals by
fasting, going long periods of time without eating. Some of his fasts lasted for over three
weeks before he completed his objective.
c. Besides using peaceful methods of protest, Gandhi also improved the condition of
humanity by fighting for the rights of those who had none. (Kamat’s Potpourri Online).
Body III
I. Although he himself was very privileged for the duration of his life, Mahatma Gandhi
dedicated his time on Earth to helping and alleviating the suffering of those who had no
liberties.
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a. Gandhi thought that all people are equal and that gaining rights for women and
“Untouchables”- the lowest sect in the Indian caste system – was just as important as
winning India’s independence. (Kamat’s Potpourri Online).
b. While serving time in prison in 1932, Gandhi decided to have an epic “fast unto
death” in order to improve the conditions of the Untouchables. Thankfully, Gandhi
didn’t actually die of starvation, and he was able to raise a great deal of worldly
awareness about the terrible conditions that the Untouchables had to and still do live in.
c . Mahatma Gandhi devoted more time and effort to lending a hand to the
underprivileged than most people ever dream of. (Kamat’s Potpourri Online).
Conclusion
I. Mahatma Gandhi is definitely one of the greatest humanitarians to ever walk this
Earth; especially because he won India’s independence almost single-handedly, he was
able to accomplish all of his groundbreaking feats without the application of violence and
he made a monumental effort to win rights for the people who were without them.
(Kamat’s Potpourri Online).
a. Gandhi was the “international symbol of free India,” and was at the forefront of the
Indian independence movement for a quarter of a century. Gandhi was also able to save
countless lives via his nonviolent protests. Also, Gandhi, who thought all people are
equal, campaigned for the rights of those in India who didn’t have any.
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b. Through his efforts, Gandhi has shown just how significant an impact one person can
have on the entire world, and he continues to be an inspiration to millions of people
across the globe. (Kamat’s Potpourri Online).
c. Although he is no longer with us in body, Mahatma Gandhi is without question still
with us in mind and spirit. Hopefully, his legacy will motivate all human beings to be a
humanitarian and improve the condition of our planet.