Author:

Debashish Bera
Assistant Professor
Department of History
Saheed Anurup Chandra Mahavidyalaya
South 24 Parganas,West Bengal, India.

Email: beradeba@gmail.com

Abstract:: Abstract:The famous Russian writer Count Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) and India’s Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) were the pioneers of peace in human history in the 19th and 20th
centuries. This article will introduce us to two great minds, who lived in two different centuries but
were similar in thought and mentality. Although the two great social reformers and thinkers lived in
different geographical regions and had different cultures, traditions, religions, both shared common
values, principles and doctrines. They preached non-violent resolution of conflicts between
individuals, groups and nations. Both are also considered great humanitarians for their true service,
who always raised their voice against the evils of nature and came forward without personal ambition
for the salvation of the exploited, downtrodden and weak sections of society. Their main aim was to
create a feeling among the people that they could change their own destiny. Although Gandhi
considered himself a disciple of Tolstoy, they influenced each other equally. In this article, we have
tried to show how Tolstoy’s principles and ethics changed Gandhi’s life and helped him become not
just a great leader or freedom fighter, but the Father of the Nation and a Mahatma. Uncovering the
great aspects of both their lives is still a mystery to us.

Key Words::British Raj, Humanist,Mahatma, Non-Violence, Social Worker etc.