Born Mohandas K. Gandhi in Porbandar, British Raj (now India) on October 2, 1869, Gandhi grew up in a religious family that practiced Hinduism, a faith that Gandhi would utilize its tenets of peace and non-violence to shape his future. Gandhi attended University College London and became a lawyer in South Africa in 1893 (Nanda). There, he experienced heavy discrimination, almost getting murdered numerous times. The government imposed harsh restrictions on the country’s Indian population due to apartheid (Nanda). Gandhi defended the Indians, sending letters and organizing protests emphasizing the principles of peaceful resistance (Nanda). This became known as satyagraha, meaning “holding fast to truth” (Mishra) and would dominate his future actions (source). 

Here at UM, minority lounges came from an idea established over 50 years ago to highlight key activists in minority empowerment and serve as a safe space for communication, growth, and enfranchisement of minority groups (Hodder). With this in mind, in November 2001 the Resident Hall Association  decided to name a lounge after Ghandi as a way for students to feel empowered and learn from his principles of Satyagraha. The lounge was officially dedicated on April 17, 2005, and is used today by many organizations for conferences, debates, and a safe space for minority students ("Mahatma Gandhi Minority Lounge").

The name Mahatma means “great soul” and is derived from the Sanskrit language for honor and respect ("Mahatma"; Lawler). Interestingly, the name Gandhi means “sun," according to Ancestry.com. Gandhi is someone whose name reflects his strength. He continues to serve as an inspiration, serving as a reminder that change comes from voicing concerns, engaging in activism, and encouraging others to feel empowered so they can have a voice in the future in our society.