The childhood of Mahatma Gandhi was shaped by several notable events that influenced his future philosophical outlook. Born in 1869 in India, Gandhi was influenced by his mother's devout Hindu beliefs and the ideals of non-violence and truth. His experiences with racism during his time in South Africa further ignited his passion for social justice and equality. Additionally, his early encounters with injustice strengthened his resolve against oppression. Overall, these formative experiences were instrumental in shaping Gandhi's approach to activism and his commitment to nonviolent resistance against colonial rule in India.