Children dressed as Mahatma ("Great Soul") Gandhi wait for their turn to perform at a celebration Monday in the northern Indian city of Lucknow marking the 138th anniversary of Gandhi's birth. Gandhi, also known as the "Father of the Nation," was instrumental in India's struggle for independence from Britain and a devoted follower of non-violent protest and religious tolerance. Gandhi's birthday (Oct. 2) is celebrated as a national holiday in India and was declared the "International Day of Non-Violence" by the United Nations in June 2007.