Mahathma Gandhi remains to be one of the most popular figure in not only India, but in the world as well.

Well known for his bespectacled smiley face and revered for his resilience against the British empire who had colonised India, Gandhi played a pivotal role in giving birth to an independent India.

But did you know these facts about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi aka the man India refers to as "Bapu"?

1. He Had False Teeth

Anywhere he went, Gandhi made sure to carry around his set of false teeth. He would only insert them in his mouth during lunch and dinner. Once he was done with his meal, he would have them cleaned up before putting them away. He was known to carry these set of false teeth in the fold of his linen cloth.

2. Atrocious At Public Speaking

In the beginning that is. There's a famous story where upon his graduation from London University and becoming an attorney, he was invited to make a speech in court. The young Gandhi was so nervous and afraid that he was seen with trembling knees. His first forays into public speaking ended anti-climatically because he did not continue talking. Instead, he sat back down.

3. Gandhi Was Pretty Fashionable

Way before he became known for his loincloth and simple get up, Gandhi had a good taste in fashion. However, during his education years in London, he wore a hat, silk spats and yes, carried a cane just like an Englishman.

4. Quite a Wealthy Person

Gandhi had once famously remarked that he was born in India but was made in South Africa. Years before his involvement in civil rights movements, Gandhi had worked as an attorney. His salary reached fifteen thousand dollars – a pretty hefty amount considering that he was an Indian.

5. Gandhi Had Big Name Admirers

While Gandhi certainly has left a huge mark in Indian history, he left a pretty big impression on the lives of some prominent people as well. Specifically American industrialist, Henry Ford. The businessman was gifted an autographed spinning wheel – the 'Charka'. Ford would spin it during the woeful days of the Second World War.

So the next time you feel small and insignificant, just remember, Mahatma Gandhi had false teeth, was terrible at public speaking and yet managed to leave a huge mark in history and on people's lives!

Source: Indiamarks
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