A title of respect in Hindu culture meaning 'great soul,' famously used for Mohandas Gandhi, a leader of India's independence movement.
From Sanskrit 'mahatman,' combining 'maha' (great) and 'atman' (soul), a spiritual title that became famous worldwide through Gandhi.
When people call someone a 'mahatma,' they're saying they have a spiritual greatness—Gandhi's use of this ancient title helped his message of peaceful resistance feel connected to India's spiritual tradition.
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