Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi; 2 October 1869 - 30 January 1948; was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India.
Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
The honorific Mahatma (high-souled, venerable)-applied to him first in 1914 in South Africa,-is now used worldwide. He is also called Bapu (endearment for father or papa.) in India.
The Sanskrit word Mahatma, which means a great soul, is often taken to be Gandhi's given name in the West. History books tells us poet and Nobel laureate Rabin dranath Tagore bestowed the title on Gandhi in 1915 while writing his autobiography.
Some others say that Jetpur Village is the one who conferred the title Mahatma to Ghandhi. In a Manpatra (letter of honour) dated 21.5.1915 signed by Devchand Parekh and others. It was Nagar Sheth (Mayor) of Jetpur Shri Nautamlal B. Mehta (Kamdar) who was the first to use and bestow "Mahatma" for Shri Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on January 21, 1915 at Kamri Bai School, Jetpur, India. From then, Gandhiji was known as Mahatma Gandhi. Similar Manpatra was given to Smt. Kasturba Gandhi, which was signed by Devchhand bhai along with 30-40 other villagers (all from Jetpur). For original documents about the day Gandhi became Mahatma (Manpatra) check the related links section.

This is Matter of National History and it needs to be fixed it, & validity it. I am as a Grandson of Nautamlal mehta of Jetpur my name is Niranjan Mehta been living in USA since last 35 years. Very few people may have more real authentic info then my family on this matter. The above report of Ibrahim Saheb needs some more factual update and with his assumed kind permission will make our info more truthful. Tagore, or South Africa or devchand bhai parekh all claims has no valid date, documents, nor background support. Whereas Nautamlal B Mehta (kamdar)'s family has all documents, all proof. can be seen at kamdartree Nautamlal mehtas family and his close relative Dr P.J mehta jointly gave tremendous sacrifice for India's freedom strugle.Devchand bhai Parekh was a Vakil and friend of Nautamlal Mehta and mahatma Gandhi as Hindu tradition of respecting elder He ( devchand bhai encouraged to sign as a one of signee out Respect to him with 40 others who signed that " Mahatma citation" there is sign of Nautamlal b Mehta, his brother Chimanlal mehta, his other relatives and many other local citizens signatures are there. Please see the original documents at kamdartree One more about Kasturba Gandhis citation only Women of Jetpur signed that that Citation. There is no Signature of any man there is a signature of Nautamlal Mehtas Daughter Jayakuver... Whole function was arrange and supported by Nautam lal B Mehta as Nagar Sheth of Jetpur. Devchand bhai cannot take part against British at that time he was an attorney and he needed to work with British He never took any part in any Free India moment publically He was great Patriotic but in this case It was Nautamlal mehta become an instrument to give that Title "Mahatma" to M.K Gandhi. .about Tagore actually He met Mahatma Gandhi first time was April 1915. before that in the month of January 21, 1915 Gandhi visited Jetpur therefore Tagore story is also totally wrong Finally any other claimed has no Merit, relevant documents, nor valid actual date just emotional statements or claimed or talk. This is matter of history and Nautamlal Mehta has his proof, his documents, his actual date and his photograph and top of all his background. Finally the world most authentic Gandhian museum is Rajghat Gandhi Museum. New Delhi and they have Nautamlal B Mehtas of Jetpurs Citation in display 3'x3' with acknowledgement.

Final conclusion 1, Tagore ONLY met first time to Gandhiji in the Month of March1915, where as Nautam lal Mehta met Gandhiji on January 21, 1915 at Jetpur everything documented, displayed at kamdartree. 2, for story of South Africa 1914 have no documents or who said when said? 3, Devchand bhai Parekh? Those claimants using Nautamlal mehtas copy of citation, there is no signature on it a blank copy from Nautamlal mehtas ancestral home in Jetpur. They have no proof, no other s signatures on it. 4, Nautamlal Mehta has original citation of Using the Word" Mahatma" it was signed by about 40 jetpur citizen, it has dated January 21, 19195 has all supporting documents, photos and all historical info easily seen at kamdartree since last 15 years Also Gandhi museum has Nautamlal mehtas copy at Rajghat museum.

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