Martyrs’ Day
On January 30, we honour the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated on this day in 1948 by Nathuram Vinayak Godse, just five months and 15 days after India gained independence from British rule.
On this day, while heading to a prayer meeting at Birla Bhavan in Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi was shot by Nathuram Godse, around 5:17 pm. He was hit with three bullets in his chest and passed away immediately, as documented.
Who was Mahatma Gandhi?
Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He got married to Kasturba when he was 13. After studying law in London, he moved to South Africa in 1893 to help an Indian merchant with a legal case and stayed there for 21 years. In South Africa, he used non-violent methods to fight for civil rights.
He returned to India in 1915 and began organizing farmers and laborers against discrimination. He led movements like Satyagraha and Ahimsa against British rule. He was known for promoting peace and non-violence. His peaceful methods and his ability to inspire people with love and tolerance greatly influenced civil rights movements.
Gandhi dedicated his life to India’s freedom struggle and also fought against untouchability and poverty. He supported women’s rights as well.
Mahatma Gandhi, who was highly respected for his wisdom and was 78 years old then, spent most of his grown-up years encouraging civil disobedience (satyagraha) and peaceful protests to help India become free from British rule.
The British had been ruling India since 1858. Finally, on August 15, 1947, India gained independence, shortly after the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act. This act split British India into two countries: India and Pakistan.
Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi
As the nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi today, let us take a look at some of his famous teachings and quotes.
- “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
- “An ounce of patience is worth more than a tonne of preaching.”
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
- “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
