Mahatma Gandhi was one of the major freedom fighters in the freedom struggle. The full name of Mahatma Gandhi is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. By following the path of truth and non-violence he forced the British to leave India. Some call him Bapu and some call him the Father of the Nation. Both have the same meaning, he is seen as the father of every Indian, who fought for freedom by following the right path and also guided the Indians in this war.
Mahatma Gandhi Death Anniversary 2024
Mahatma Gandhi died on 30 January 1948, a few months after independence. That evening, during prayers at the Gandhi Memorial in Birla House, Nathuram Godse shot Gandhiji. The day of January 30 will be recorded forever in history as the death anniversary of Gandhiji. Every year on 30 January, along with the death anniversary of Gandhiji, Martyrs’ Day is also celebrated. Why is Martyr’s Day celebrated on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi? Let us know why 30th January is a special day in history apart from the death anniversary of Bapu.
History of Martyr’s Day (30 January)
On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was going to address an evening prayer meeting at Birla Bhawan in Delhi. At the same time, at around 5:17 in the evening, he was shot dead by Nathuram Godse. After the death of Gandhiji, the priest of non-violence, his death anniversary (30 January) started being celebrated as Martyr’s Day every year. Martyrs’ Day is also celebrated by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Martyr’s Day is celebrated twice a year
Martyrs’ Day is celebrated twice in India. Martyrs’ Day is celebrated in the memory of the martyrs on 30 January, on the occasion of Gandhiji’s death anniversary. Apart from this, 23 March is also celebrated as Martyr’s Day. People remain confused about celebrating Martyr’s Day on two different dates. There is a difference between the two martyrs’ days.
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January and on 23 March 1931, freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged. Amar Shaheed Diwas is celebrated on 23 March. On this day the martyrdom of these three martyrs is remembered.
History of 30th January
- 1530: Death of Rana Sangram Singh of Mewar.
- 1903: Lord Curzon inaugurated the Imperial Library of Calcutta, after independence its name was changed to National Library.
- 1948: Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
- 1971: Fokker Friendship aircraft of Indian Airlines was hijacked from Lahore and destroyed.
- 1985: Lok Sabha passed anti-defection law.
- 2007: In an international deal, Indian giant Tata bought Anglo Dutch steel manufacturing company Corus Group for more than $12 billion.
How is Martyr’s Day celebrated?
On the occasion of Martyr’s Day on 30 January, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister and all three army chiefs pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Samadhi at Rajghat. Army soldiers also bow their weapons on this occasion to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. Besides, two minutes silence is also observed in the memory of all the martyrs of the country. Many types of programs and speeches related to Mahatma Gandhi are organized in schools, colleges and other institutions.
Even though Bapu is not among us today, his thoughts are still alive in our minds. Gandhiji’s mantra of cleanliness has reached every person today. India will always remember his sacrifice.