Gandhi ji went to London to become a lawyer by choice. He started practicing in South Africa like a normal lawyer to earn money. Then, what changed when he was thrown off the train? Exploitation of the blacks and racism existed before he was thrown off the train, as well as after that. Then why did it change the course of his life? Maybe a realization as to how important freedom is. Maybe the understanding that in the absence of freedom, the whole of the wealth of the world and the best of the comforts, and the best of the ecosystem are useless.
While many Indians were busy tying up with the exploiters, to get something or the other in return, Gandhi ji dropped everything to confront the British rulers. It's highly uncertain. You may be killed at any moment. You may be put in jail and tortured. Leaving the comforts of family and kids, wealth and comforts, and travelling across the country to listen to the people, inspire them, and stand against the mighty is not easy. That requires conviction. Meera also had that conviction when she stood against all the social norms while declaring Karishna to be her husband. Socrates has such a conviction, and that's why he would prefer to die rather than tell lies.
But, had Gandhi ji had that seeking for freedom, he would have decided to get settled in London. After all, he could have established a good practice with little effort because he did his law from London. Even if we consider that possibility to be difficult, he has a good practice as well as standing in South Africa. Then why would he come back to India to participate in the freedom struggle? Because freedom has a very different meaning for him. It does not mean freedom for an individual called Gandhi. It means freedom for every being. Most people give away their individual freedom also for some social dogma, belief, social validation, or mental security. A few fight for their individual freedom against anybody and anything that tries to bind them. Only very few have that love and compassion that they can fight for the freedom of their countrymen.
Only when someone feels deeply connected with everyone around and experiences the pain of those who are suffering can they fight against exploitation, even risking their life. Most people try to avoid these situations, close their eyes, and accept the status quo. When we see a loved one suffering, we feel pain. There is constant pain because so many around us are suffering. It’s difficult to bear that constant pain. It’s overwhelming for most. Only when someone truly feels the pain does that pain push them past the point of passivity. That’s when revolutionary leaders like Gandhi are born. Most people get temporarily irritated with the system, then drown their frustration at a party and sleep happily. There are many ways to make the mind dull and indifferent. Have fun, watch a movie, spend time with kids, plan a short trip, meet a friend, or shift to a better society with less exploitation. Society offers all kinds of distractions. Only when someone becomes fully aware does he realize the futility of these escapes, and his concern for others makes him restless. This restlessness creates a sense of urgency to change and become an active agent of that change, like Gandhi.
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