Apart from leading the movement that led India to its freedom, Mahatma Gandhi is also known for living an austere life. Gandhi apparently only had six possessions when he died, and among them we have his sandals. Mahatma Gandhi used the traditional leather sandal, the chappal, as a symbol of Indian self-sufficiency. Gandhi’s sandals were an instantly recognizable part of his image along with his glasses, loin-cloth, shawl and staff. The Sandals also feature in a story that is often used to illustrate the independence icon’s personal philosophy. It is said that once, while running to catch a train, Gandhi supposedly lost one of his sandals. Unable to snatch it from the platform as he sped away on the train, he decided to throw the other one after it so that someone could use them — a classic example of his practical generosity. Just like this incident, he had and will continue to inspire us.
