Feroze Gandhi was an Indian politician and journalist who played an important role in the Indian independence movement and later in the Indian National Congress party. He was born on September 12, 1912, in Mumbai, India, to a Parsi family.
Gandhi began his political career as a journalist, working for several newspapers and magazines in Mumbai and Delhi. He later joined the Indian independence movement and became a close associate of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Gandhi married Nehru’s daughter, Indira Gandhi, in 1942.
After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Gandhi became a member of the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament, in 1952. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1957, 1962, and 1967.
During his time in the Indian parliament, Gandhi was known for his outspoken views on issues such as corruption, social justice, and civil liberties. He was a strong advocate for farmers’ rights and played an important role in the passage of the Zamindari Abolition Act, which abolished the system of feudal land ownership in India.
Gandhi passed away on September 8, 1960, at the age of 48, due to a heart attack. His death was a major loss to the Indian National Congress and the Indian political landscape as a whole. He was widely respected for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to social justice, and is remembered as one of the great leaders of modern India.
Childhood of Feroze Gandhi:
Feroze Gandhi was born on September 12, 1912, in Mumbai, India, into a Parsi family. His parents, Jehangir Gandhi and Ratimai Commissariat, were both active in the Indian independence movement, and his father served as the editor of a newspaper called The Bombay Chronicle.
Gandhi spent much of his childhood in Allahabad, where he attended the prestigious G. N. Jha High School. He was a bright student and excelled in academics, but was also interested in sports and played cricket and tennis in his free time.
As a young boy, Gandhi was deeply influenced by the Indian independence movement and was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who was not related to Feroze. He later became involved in the movement himself, attending meetings and rallies, and writing articles for newspapers and magazines in support of Indian independence.
Gandhi’s family was supportive of his political activities, and he was encouraged to pursue his interests and passions. However, his father died when he was only nine years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his two younger sisters on her own.
Despite these challenges, Gandhi continued to excel in his studies and his political activities, and his commitment to social justice and political reform only grew stronger as he got older. His childhood experiences helped to shape his worldview and his commitment to fighting for the rights of the underprivileged and oppressed, a cause that he championed throughout his life.
Education:
Feroze Gandhi was a bright student and received a good education. He completed his primary education in Mumbai, and then attended the prestigious G. N. Jha High School in Allahabad, where he completed his secondary education.
After finishing school, Gandhi enrolled in the London School of Economics (LSE) to study law. While at the LSE, he became involved in the Indian Students’ Association and began attending meetings and rallies in support of Indian independence. He also wrote articles for various newspapers and magazines, including the Indian Review, in which he expressed his views on political and social issues.
Gandhi’s time at the LSE helped to shape his worldview and political ideology, and he developed a strong interest in socialism and Marxist theory. He also became involved in student politics, and was elected as the President of the Indian Students’ Association in 1934.
After completing his studies at the LSE, Gandhi returned to India and began working as a journalist. He worked for several newspapers and magazines, including the Bombay Chronicle, the Hindustan Times, and the National Herald, where he wrote articles on a range of social, economic, and political issues.
Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to education and the pursuit of knowledge. He believed that education was essential for the development of a healthy and prosperous society, and worked to promote access to education for all, especially for the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.
Feroze Gandhi’s Imvolvement in Indian Politics:
Feroze Gandhi was deeply involved in Indian politics throughout his life, and was a key figure in the Indian National Congress, the country’s main political party at the time. He first became involved in politics while studying in London, where he joined the Indian Students’ Association and began attending meetings and rallies in support of Indian independence.
After returning to India, Gandhi became a journalist and continued to be active in politics. He worked for several newspapers and magazines, including the Bombay Chronicle and the Hindustan Times, and wrote articles on a range of political and social issues. He also attended meetings and rallies, and worked closely with other members of the Indian National Congress.
In 1942, Gandhi was elected to the Indian National Congress as a member of the Allahabad district committee. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1946 he was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly, the country’s main legislative body at the time. Gandhi was known for his fiery speeches and his passionate commitment to social justice, and he quickly became a popular figure in the Indian National Congress.
In the years that followed, Gandhi continued to be involved in politics and worked tirelessly to promote the cause of Indian independence. He played a key role in the Quit India movement, which called for the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India, and was a vocal advocate for the rights of workers and farmers.
After India gained independence in 1947, Gandhi continued to be active in politics and was a strong supporter of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament, several times, and was known for his commitment to promoting democracy, secularism, and social justice.
Feroze Gandhi’s Marriage Life:
Feroze Gandhi married Indira Nehru, the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1942. Their marriage was not without controversy, as both families were initially opposed to the union. Gandhi was a Parsi, while Nehru was a Hindu, and their families were concerned about the potential for religious and cultural conflicts.
Despite the initial opposition, Gandhi and Nehru were determined to be together, and they married in a quiet ceremony in Allahabad. They had two sons, Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi, both of whom would go on to play significant roles in Indian politics.
Gandhi and Nehru’s marriage was not always smooth sailing. They had their share of disagreements and challenges, and at times their relationship was strained. However, they remained committed to each other and to their family, and their marriage endured until Gandhi’s death in 1960.
Gandhi’s marriage to Nehru also had political implications. As the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Nehru was already a significant figure in Indian politics, and her marriage to Gandhi only increased her influence. After Nehru became Prime Minister following her father’s death in 1964, Gandhi played an active role in politics, advising her on a range of issues and serving as a trusted advisor until his death.
Feroze Gandhi’s Death:
Feroze Gandhi died on September 8, 1960, at the age of 48. His death was a shock to the Indian public, as he was known for his fiery speeches and his passionate commitment to social justice.
Gandhi had been suffering from heart problems for several years before his death, and had undergone several surgeries to address the issue. However, his health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away in a hospital in New Delhi.
Gandhi’s death was widely mourned, and thousands of people attended his funeral. He was remembered for his dedication to the cause of Indian independence, his commitment to social justice, and his unwavering courage in the face of adversity. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and he is remembered as one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century.