Gandhi

The man that Gandhi became was first formed in South Africa. Here he witnessed the rights of fellow members of the British Empire, fellow Indians as well, were not of the caliber that the British enjoyed. In South Africa, Indians were treated like dirt because their skin shade was of the same color, brown. When he witnessed such injustices as not even being allowed to walk on the sidewalk with whites and not being permitted to ride the first class train, such rights that were extended to him in England, he knew something must be done. Gandhi's religious beliefs during this time were of crucial importance. His deep understanding for the teachings of all religions helped him realize that non-violence was in fact the best route to revolution and reform, especially when your foe is that of the British Empire.
             While serving numerous jail sentences for various offences in South Africa, Gandhi recognized the fact that when he wore the suits of the English, he was not viewed as one of the people. He comprehended that the brothers and sisters who he was working for were not wearing the outfits of the British, but they were dressing how Indians dressed for hundreds of years. Though one could say this is a very remedial part of his life, I feel that it is greatly symbolic; it shows his first step to becoming one with the people. Upon his arrival to India, he found that he was no longer familiar with his native country, not to mention he knew nothing of the lower levels of the caste system, due to his higher leveling in the caste. His trek throughout India was a giant step in becoming a voice of all India, and on his journeys he met hundreds of people, learing the true feelings and thoughts of the Indian public.
             This is when he truly found his vocation in life and sought out to fulfill his life's mission, to be a man of God and install the rights of all Indians in the British Empire.