Martyr’s Day 2021: Remembering Gandhi On His Death Anniversary

January 30 is the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who is known as the Father of the Nation. The day is marked as Martyr's Day in India. This year the nation will be observing Gandhi's 73rd death anniversary on January 30, 2021. Martyr's Day or 'Shaheed Diwas' is remembered to pay tribute to the great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country's Independence.

Gandhi's Assassination Shocked The World

Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead on 30 January 1948, at the age of 78 by Nathuram Godse. Gandhi was assassinated when he was getting up from the evening prayer meeting at Birla House in Delhi. Godse shot Gandhi in his chest three times and killed him. The incident shocked the entire world. Later Godse got arrested and had been sentenced to death. He alleged that Gandhi was responsible for the partition of the country.

Freedom Movements Led By Gandhi

Born on 2nd October 1869, as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, in Gujarat's Porbandar, Mahatma Gandhi completed his education from Gujarat and Bombay. Later he went to London to practice as barrister. In 1893, when Gandhiji went to South Africa, he faced discrimination against Indians there. In 1916, Gandhi returned to India to lead the freedom struggle against British rule.

Gandhi organised many movements including the 'Champaran Movement', Noncooperation Movement', 'Civil Disobedience Movement', and 'Quit India Movement'. Among all, the 'Quit India Movement' was one of the biggest and successful movements to set India free from British rule. He also introduced "Ahimsa" to India and organised non-violent protests against the British.

India finally gained independence on 15th August 1947, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

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What Happens On Martyr's Day?

On Martyr's Day or the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the Service Chiefs of India pay tribute to 'Bapu' at Rajghat in Delhi. The armed forces give a salute to Indian soldiers and a two-minute silence is observed in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and soldiers who selflessly sacrificed their lives for the nation during the freedom struggle.

Some Famous Quotes By Mahatma Gandhi

• "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
• "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
• "If we want to reach real peace in this world, we should start educating children."
• "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."
• "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
• "The future depends on what we do in the present."
• "A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes."
• "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
• "Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served."
• "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."

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