Last Updated on 29 January 2024 IST | Martyrs’ Day 2024: Every year Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day is commemorated on 30 January in India to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary who was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. This day is also observed to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who had lost their lives in the fight to gain India’s independence. Mahatma Gandhi is well remembered for his principles having propounded the ideals of ahimsa or non-violence.
Martyr’s Day 2024: Highlights
- The nation marks Martyr’s Day every year on January 30.
- Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Godse on January 30, 1948, in Delhi.
- Godse believed that Gandhi’s policies were biased towards Pakistan.
- Gandhi was born on October 2 in 1869 in Gujrat’s Porbandar town.
- He completed his law education in England.
- The whole world admires Gandhi’s principles.
Sacrifice of the Father of Nation
On Martyrs’ Day, the nation remembers the sacrifice of the Father of Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. India observes Martyr’s Day on the day, January 30, on which in 1948, Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi at 78. This day is also known as ‘Shaheed Diwas’ and this year, 2024, commemorates the 76th death anniversary of Bapu.
It was indeed a sad time when the newly independent country had lost its national icon of the freedom movement just months after becoming free from colonialism. Therefore, the nation began an annual observance to show its respect to all freedom fighters.
Martyrs’ Day 2024: Gandhiji’s Assassination
On January 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse fatally shot Mahatma Gandhi. Godse chose a time when Gandhi was getting up from the evening prayer meeting at Birla House in Delhi. Godse shot Gandhi in his chest three times and slain him. The entire world was shocked by the incident.
Gandhi Had Survived Five Attempts at His Life
Martyrs’ Day: It is said that Gandhi had previously survived five attempts at his life before his assassination. The first killing effort against Gandhi had been held in 1934, two attempts were made in 1944 and 1946, and the last trial was made merely 10 days before his assassination.
Read in Hindi: महात्मा गांधी की पुण्यतिथि (Punya Tithi) पर क्यों मनाया जाता है शहीद दिवस? (Shaheed Diwas)
Martyrs’ Day (Mahatma Gandhi Death Anniversary) : Godse Sentenced to Death
Martyrs’ Day 2024: After killing Gandhi Godse had surrendered and had been sentenced to death a year after the assassination by a trial court. The high court upheld the verdict and executed him in November 1949. His one accomplice, Narayan Apte, was also sentenced to death, and six others were penalized to life in prison.
Early Life of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2 in 1869 in Gujarat State’s Porbandar town. He went to England to complete his law education. Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and headed the Independence struggle against British rule. He never believed in the bloodshed for independence but used his powerful tools of ‘Satya’ and ‘Ahimsa’ or Truth and Non-violence. That is the reason he always remained a target for hard-liners. Gandhi carried out several nationwide nonviolent protests. The Dandi March is one famous peaceful protest in which he made salt to break the monopoly of the British and as an act of tax resistance.
Martyrs’ Day 2024: The World Follows Gandhi’s Principles
The whole world recognizes Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. Several leaders across the world admire him and follow him. South Africa’s great freedom fighter Late Nelson Mandela has especially reverence to him and followed him in the fight against the apartheid system in South Africa.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Quotes on Mahatma Gandhi Death Anniversary (Martyrs’ Day 2024)
- “Ahimsa is no mere theory with me, but it is a fact of life-based on extensive experience.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “It is poor Faith that needs fair weather for standing firm. That alone is the true faith that stands for the foulest weather.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Religion taught us to return good for evil.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Selfishness can only be removed by the devoted service of others without any expectations of reward.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Not to believe in the possibility of permanent peace is to disbelieve in the Godliness of human nature.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Martyrs’ Day: The Day Celebration
Martyrs’ Day is celebrated at Rajghat where the state heads such as the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other service chiefs visit and pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi. On this day, armed forces personnel also pay respect to Indian soldiers who fought for the nation and died protecting the nation. All central and state government departments observe two minutes of silence on this day.
Mahatma Gandhi Was Almighty Kabir’s Follower
It might surprise you, but Mahatma indeed had a great following of the principles of Kabir Saheb. Mahatma Gandhi had also visited Kabir Saheb’s Karm Bhumi Kabir Chora at Kashi in Uttar Pradesh. He had the qualities of a Bhakt as described by Supreme Almighty Kabir Saheb. He failed in getting the three-stage Mantra as described in Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shlok 17:23. On the occasion of Gandhi’s Death Anniversary, the readers must read Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s sacred book ‘The Way of Living’ to learn the true eternal knowledge.
