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(CNN) - Mahatma Gandhi, known in India as "the father of the nation", was born 150 years ago, on October 2, 1869. The anniversary of his birth is an important national holiday in India called Gandhi Jayanti, and It includes a prayer for peace, ceremonies and events throughout the country.
This year, the Indian government will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birth "nationally and internationally to spread his message," according to the Ministry of Culture of India.
A race will be held across the country, in which participants will clean up the garbage while jogging to honor Gandhi's cleanup message.
A film festival called “Gandhi Panorama: International Festival of Films on Gandhiji and his principles” will take place from October 2 to 6 in Mumbai. The 11 films screened at the festival are based on Gandhi and its principles.
These are four facts you should know about Gandhi on the 150th anniversary of his birth:
1. Gandhi was born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi; He was not known by the title Mahatma, which translates as "Great Soul", until 1914. He was a lawyer, politician, social activist and writer.
2. He became the leader of the nationalist movement against British rule of India through his non-violent approach. Gandhi was killed on January 30, 1948, shortly after India gained its independence.
3. With his peaceful methods of protest, Gandhi inspired many world leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and former US President Barack Obama.
4. The United Nations also declared October 2 as the International Day of Nonviolence to honor Gandhi's message.
Gandhi
