India observes Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, annually on January 30. The day honors the courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland. It also marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 by Nathuram Godse just a few months after India gained independence from British rule.
Mahatma is an adaptation of the Sanskrit word mahātman, which literally meant “great-souled. “Mahatma” is a term denoting a great person and, in India, is a title of love and respect. Widely known as the Mahatma, Gandhi, an Indian lawyer, played a pivotal role in liberating India from British colonial rule in 1947. Someone assassinated him months later when he was 78 years old. His death reverberated across the globe. Gandhi is most famous for his philosophy of nonviolence that has inspired civil rights leaders around the world.
“We shall either free India or die in the attempt,” were the historic words of Gandhi that echoed throughout the country during the Quit India Movement. ‘Do or Die’ was thus, a slogan that was used to rally the masses. Gandhiji’s vision and philosophy are pillars of the work of the United Nations. Part of his genius lay in his ability to see the inter-connectedness and the unity between all things. His political achievements included leading the movement that ended colonial rule in India, using peace, love and integrity to prevail.
Gandhi, recognized as the Father of the Nation, is renowned for his philosophy of truth (Satya) and nonviolence (Ahimsa). He played a pivotal role in the freedom movement and led significant initiatives such as the Khilafat movement, Non-cooperation movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India movement during the struggle for independence.
On Martyrs’ Day, leaders lay flower wreaths at Raj Ghat memorial. The armed forces’ personnel blow bugles, sounding the Last Post. The inter-services contingent reverse arms as a mark of respect. The country observes a two-minute silence in memory of Indian martyrs at 11 am. Participants hold all-religion prayers and sing tributes.
