On January 30, the nation somberly commemorates the 76th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the revered father of the nation, who was tragically assassinated by Nathuram Vinayak Godse in 1948, only months after India gained independence from British Rule.
Remembering Mahatma Gandhi: A Glimpse into Bapu’s Life
Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, affectionately known as Bapu, dedicated his life to advocating peace and non-violence. Trained in law at the Inner Temple in London, he spent 21 years in South Africa, introducing non-violent resistance in the fight for civil rights.
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi organized farmers and laborers against discrimination, pioneering the Satyagraha and Ahimsa movements against British colonial rule. His non-violent approach and commitment to love and tolerance profoundly influenced civil rights movements, and he also championed causes like untouchability, poverty, and women’s rights.
The Fateful Day: January 30, 1948
On that ill-fated day, as Gandhi made his way to an evening prayer meeting at Birla Bhavan, Delhi, Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, fired three fatal shots into his chest at around 5:17 pm. The world lost a leader who had dedicated his life to India’s freedom and the upliftment of the marginalized.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy: Significance in 2024
Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of peace and non-violence transcend borders. The International Day of Non-Violence, observed annually on Gandhi’s birth anniversary, October 2, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to honor his legacy. This day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role non-violence plays in fostering global peace, harmony, and unity.
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Inspirational Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi
As we reflect on his enduring wisdom, here are some of Mahatma Gandhi’s inspirational quotes:
- “The greatness of humanity is not in being human but in being humane.”
- “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”
- “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”
- “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
- “Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.”
- “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.”
- “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
- “Man is supposed to be the maker of his destiny. It is only partly true. He can make his destiny, only in so far as he is allowed by the Great Power.”
As we commemorate Martyrs’ Day, let us reflect on the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and strive to uphold the principles of peace, tolerance, and unity that he so passionately advocated.