Mahatma Gandhi was an influential leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule. Though he did not come from a position of political or military power, and belonged to no elite class, Gandhi led nonviolent civil disobedience campaigns that helped India gain independence through his strong leadership, determination to adhere to his principles, and goal of liberating India from British control. Some of his notable actions included leading the Salt March in 1930 to protest Britain's salt tax, and fasting in 1932 to protest Hindu-Muslim violence. He is considered the father of modern India and an icon of nonviolent protest movements worldwide.