On January 30, the nation observes the 76th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's passing, the revered father of the nation, who was tragically assassinated by Nathuram Vinayak Godse in 1948, merely five months and 15 days after India achieved independence from British Rule.
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, was a champion of peace and non-violence.
At the tender age of 13, he entered into matrimony with Kasturba.
His legal education took him to the Inner Temple in London, and later in 1893, he relocated to South Africa to represent an Indian merchant in a legal dispute. Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa, where he first employed non-violent resistance in advocating for civil rights.
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi began organizing farmers and urban laborers, spearheading protests against discrimination.
He introduced the Satyagraha and Ahimsa movements, embodying non-violence in the struggle against British colonial rule.
His exceptional ability to garner support through love and tolerance left an indelible mark on civil rights movements.
Mahatma Gandhi not only dedicated his life to India's quest for independence but also led nationwide campaigns against poverty and accountability.
His advocacy extended to women's rights, showcasing his multifaceted commitment to social justice.
On January 30, 1948, at approximately 5:17 pm, while en route to address an evening prayer gathering at Birla Bhavan in Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by his grandnieces, fell victim to an assassination. Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, discharged three bullets into his chest, resulting in his instantaneous demise, as documented in historical records.