India remembers Mahatma Gandhi on Martyrs’ Day

On the fateful day of January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse near Birla House in New Delhi

Hyderabad: India observes January 30 as Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day, to mark the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and others who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

On the fateful day of January 30, 1948, when 78-year-old Mahatma Gandhi walked towards the Birla House in New Delhi for his prayer meeting, accompanied by his grandnieces Abha and Manu, no one knew that it will turn into a ‘black day’ in India’s post-Independence history.

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At the gates, Nathuram Godse, approached Mahatma Gandhi on the pretext of paying respects and fired three shots at close range from a pistol. The bullets hit Gandhi in the chest and abdomen and he fell on the ground, uttering his last words, ‘Hey Ram.’

The incident shocked Indians and others across the globe.

Nathuram Godse and his accomplices, including Narayan Apte, were arrested and tried. He remained unapologetic during the trial and was convicted. Godse was executed on November 15, 1949.

Godse blamed Mahatma Gandhi for the India’s Partition and formation of Pakistan in 1947.

On this day, memorial events, including prayers and tributes, are conducted at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi, to commemorate his life and ideals.

Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence through his principles of non-violence and civil disobedience. His teachings continue to inspire movements for justice and peace worldwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, remembering his contributions to the nation and his unwavering commitment to truth and non-violence.

Facts about Mahatma Gandhi

• Mahatma Gandhi inspired global leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, and James Lawson to fight for social justice and equality.
• Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired the world with his speeches, was once a shy and timid child and feared speaking in public.
• One of Mahatma Gandhi’s most outspoken political critics was Winston Churchill.
• Working as an advocate in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi used to play football. He also founded two football clubs with an aim to fight racial discrimination and injustice through peace.
• Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize five times between 1937 and 1948, but he never won the prestigious award.
• Rabindranath Tagore gave Gandhi the title of ‘Mahatma.’
• Gandhi coined the term ‘Harijan,’ to refer to the untouchables, aiming to uplift their social status and promote their dignity.
• In 1930, he was the Time Magazine Man of the Year. He was a great writer and the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi have 50,000 pages.
• Mahatma Gandhi revived the handloom industry in India by focusing on khadi.