Alrite, lets see if you can back that up. What was inapplicable about the philosophy of Thoreau (which he himself applied a fair bit) and what changes did Gandhi make to make it applicable?
He was an effective political leader no doubt, but people try to exagerrate his accomplishments beyond that.
There is a difference between formulating an idea or a theory and actually applying it in the face of stiff resistance to come up with great results. Gandhi was exceptional because he did the latter. Not only did he practice non-violent methods for the freedom struggle himself, but he influenced millions of common men & women across un-divided India to do the same. And he did all of this without any personal ambitions or political desire.