Did Gandhi fast?

It is well known that Gandhi went on a hunger strike many times between 1913-1948. These fasts were of multiple durations, sometimes lasting only three or four days, other times extending up to three weeks. He fasted in different places: in South Africa, in different cities across India, in prison and at home.

Why did Gandhi use fasting?

Eight months later, Gandhi announced he was beginning a “fast unto death” in order to protest British support of a new Indian constitution, which gave the country’s lowest classes—known as “untouchables”—their own separate political representation for a period of 70 years.

How long did Gandhi fast in total?

The total days of his fasts amounts to roughly 135 days. Fasting was a weapon used by Gandhi as part of his philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) as well as Satyagraha.

What did Gandhi say about fasting?

If people will cultivate the habit of disregarding fasts which, in their opinion, are taken for unworthy ends, such fasts will be robbed of the taint of coercion and undue influence.

Why did Gandhi fast for 21 days?

MAY 8, 1933: Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi began a 21-day fast on this day in 1933 in a bid to highlight the plight of his country’s ‘untouchable’ community.