The prominent leader that played a crucial role in the independence of India was Mahatma Gandhi. Advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, Gandhi led the Indian National Congress in its struggle against British colonial rule. His philosophy of satyagraha emphasized truth and nonviolence as powerful tools for social and political change. Key events, such as the Salt March in 1930, galvanized public support and international attention to the cause. Gandhi's leadership and commitment to peaceful protest significantly contributed to India's eventual independence in 1947, symbolizing a broader global movement for decolonization and human rights.