“It brought about an instantaneous and practical transformation in my life,” said Mahatma Gandhi after reading a book given to him by his friend Henry Polak. The book was given to Mahatma Gandhi when he was travelling from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Durban (South Africa) in March 1904. The book was given to Mahatma Gandhi to read in the 24-hour journey from Johannesburg to Durban. The book consisted of four essays that transformed the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi in his own words stated that he could not get any sleep that night and was determined to change his life in accordance with the ideals of the book. 

After reading the book Mahatma Gandhi decided to live the life of labour and published the newspaper Indian Opinion. The book was later translated into Gujarati and was known as Sarvodaya (the well being of all). In 1951 the book was translated into English again by Valji Desai with the name Unto This Last: A Paraphrase.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Porbandar State, Kathiawar Agency, Bombay Presidency, British India (present-day Gujarat India). Mahatma Gandhi was a freedom fighter and was the leader of the Indian freedom struggle against the British Empire in India. He was the leader of the Indian National Congress in 1921 and started nationwide campaigns against the British Rule. The famous march of 400 km in 1930 known as the Dandi Salt March was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi against the British for imposing the salt tax. The Quit India movement of 1942 was also one of the famous movements initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. He is known as Bapu in India and is also known as the Father of the Nation. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30th January 1948 at the age of 78 in New Delhi, Delhi, Dominion of India (present-day India) by Nathuram Godse.