Mahatma Gandhi was the famous leader of the Indian independence movement known for his philosophy of nonviolence, or "ahimsa." He advocated for peaceful resistance against British colonial rule in India, promoting methods such as civil disobedience and nonviolent protest. Gandhi believed that change could be achieved without resorting to violence, which inspired millions and became a model for other civil rights movements worldwide. His leadership during campaigns like the Salt March illustrated the power of collective action and moral authority. Gandhi's principles of nonviolence and passive resistance continue to resonate globally in various social justice movements.