Mahatma Gandhi, was famous for his nonviolent leadership in helping to achieve India’s independence from Britain (granted in 1947), also campaigned to improve the lot of millions of fellow Hindus. As Indian Professor M. P. Rege once explains: “He proclaimed ahimsa (nonviolence) as the fundamental moral value, which he interpreted as concern for the dignity and well-being of every person. He denied the authority of the Hindu scriptures when their teaching was contrary to ahimsa, strove valiantly for the eradication of untouchability and the hierarchical caste system, and promoted the equality of women in all spheres of life.”
He set the development of a great country back by 40 years.
He did gain independence for India, but had no plan about how to use that freedom.
Many people starved unnecessarily and there was avoidable internal bloody and violent conflict.
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are still paying for that lack of forethought today.
Still, he was a "great and non-violent leader".