On the fateful day of January 30, 1948, 78-year-old Mahatma Gandhi was gunned down at Birla House in New Delhi while going for a prayer meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several political leaders paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary on Thursday, remembering his contributions to the nation and his unwavering commitment to truth and non-violence.
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. This day is now observed as Martyrs’ Day, also known as ‘Shaheed Diwas’ or ‘Sarvodaya Day,’ to honour him and those who sacrificed their lives for India.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices.”
Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the Father of the Nation, 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.
Meanwhile, paying his tributes, Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that he was not just a person rather he is the soul of India, and is alive in every Indian.
Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Gandhiji is not just a person, he is the soul of India and is alive in every Indian even today. The power of truth, non-violence and fearlessness can shake the roots of even the biggest empire – the entire world takes inspiration from these ideals of his. Hundreds of salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma, our Bapu on his Martyrdom Day.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute, stating that his ideas of Satya, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya and Sarvadharma Sambhava continue to light our path.
Meanwhile, the National Archives of India (NAI) and the National Gandhi Museum (NGM) in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India, and Prasar Bharati Archives has announced a special exhibition titled “Journey of the Mahatma: Through His Own Documents”.
The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and Chairman, National Gandhi Museum today at 3.00 pm in the Exhibition Hall of the National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi, according to an official release.
This carefully curated exhibition traces the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation.
Through a combination of rare photographs, official documents, audio recordings, videos clippings, and personal correspondences, the exhibition provides a vivid portrayal of Gandhi’s path from his early life in Porbandar to his pivotal role in India’s independence movement.
The exhibition comprises 30 panels showcasing Mahatma’s life journey and few significant events such as his education in England, his formative years in South Africa, and his leadership during key milestones in India’s freedom struggle, including the Champaran Satyagraha, Dandi March, and the Quit India Movement.
It also highlights his work for social justice, communal harmony, and untouchability eradication, along with his final efforts to maintain peace during Partition and his enduring legacy after independence.
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, on Mahatma’s death anniversary.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Manohar lal Khattar, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were also present at the solemn occasion and also paid tribute to ‘Father of 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.
Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP President J.P. Nadda also paid his respects, highlighting Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance and its relevance in modern India.
“I pay my heartfelt tribute to the eternal worshiper of truth and non-violence, the great leader of the Indian freedom movement, ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary,” he posted on X.
“Bapu’s ideas centred on Swadeshi and self-reliance are paving the way for an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. His life ideals will always inspire the entire humanity,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his tribute, emphasised Mahatma Gandhi’s role in uniting the nation and his global impact. “On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the leading figure of the Indian freedom movement, who popularised the Indian values of truth, non-violence, and the fight against injustice across the world, on his death anniversary,” Shah wrote on X.
“Mahatma Gandhi strengthened the freedom movement by binding the country in the thread of unity. His thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance, and the empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the countrymen,” he added.
ALSO READ: India, Oman to Fast-Track Economic Pact Talks
ALSO READ: Adapting to Swiss Life: The Indian Experience
