It is the cause, not the death, that makes the martyr — Napoleon Bonaparte
Martyrs’ Day is celebrated on January 30 every year across the country to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Martyrs’ day or ‘Shaheed Diwas’ also aspires at paying homage to the freedom fighters who lost their lives in the fight for India’s independence.
Mahatma Gandhi led the country’s freedom struggle and was glorified by everyone for his non-violent approach. Despite his peaceful approach, Bapu was shot at Birla House compound in New Delhi at the age of 78 by Nathuram Godse, who opposed Gandhi’s views on the partition of India.Gandhi died at the spot on January 30, 1948, some five months after Indian gained independence from the British. Ever since then, India observes that day as Shaheed Diwas to mourn the loss of its greatest freedom fighter.
On this day, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister come together at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Rajghat in New Delhi.The top-most leaders of the country lay wreaths in memory of the Mahatma. They are joined by three service chiefs as well.