India celebrate Martyr’s Day, or Shaheed Diwas on every January 30, 2024, paying tribute to freedom fighters and commemorating the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, who accused him of favoring the Muslim community during the partition of India. The last words Gandhi spoke were “Hey Ram”. In addition, 23 March commemorates the hanging of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar in 1931, another significant date for celebrating Martyrs’ Day in India.
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About Bhagat Singh and his companions ↴
Bhagat Singh Born on 27 September 1907 in Lyallpur, Punjab. Bhagat Singh and his associates sought revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, which led to their involvement in the planned assassination of James A. Scott, a police officer. On 8 April 1929, Bhagat Singh and his companions threw bombs at the Central Legislative Assembly and shouted the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad”, leading to a murder case against them. They were hanged in the Lahore Jail on March 23, 1931 and their bodies were cremated on the banks of the Sutlej River.
About Mahatma Gandhi ↴
Mahatma Gandhi Born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, played a key role in India’s independence movement. After marrying at 13 and studying in England, he returned to India in 1915 at the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhal. Gandhi’s non-violent protest theories gained international recognition and his leadership in movements like Kheda and Champaran forced the British into submission. Gandhi, known as the “Father of the Nation” and “Bapu ji”, launched major movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 and the Dandi March in 1930, which contributed to India’s independence in 1947. His commitment to non-violence, symbolized by satyagraha and ahimsa, remains a profound influence on Indian ethos and culture.
Significance of Martyr’s Day (Shaheed Diwas)
Martyrs’ Day, celebrated on every January 30, marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation“.He is Known for leading non-violent movements against British rule, Gandhi focused on the principles of non-violence, truth (satjagraha) and the pursuit of political and individual freedom (Swaraj). On this day, India pays homage to Gandhi at his Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi. The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister and three service chiefs attend the ceremony to honor the enduring legacy of a leader who played a key role in India’s independence through peaceful means.
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