India Commemorates 75th Martyrdom Anniversary Of Mahatma Gandhi

Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ & How It Connects To Mahatma Gandhi?

As India commemorates the 75th martyrdom anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, It is a poignant counterpoint to the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration marking the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. On this day, wreaths made of multicoloured flowers were laid at his Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi by the defence minister, and the three Service Chiefs (Army, Air Force, and Navy). the president, the vice president, the prime minister.

Why Do We Celebrate Martyrs’ Day?

During India's war for independence, Mahatma Gandhi promoted the use of non-violence and was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Vinayak Godse. Gandhiji was shot three times in the chest at point-blank range by Godse, a Hindu nationalist from Maharashtra, at a gathering of people of many faiths for prayer in Birla House, New Delhi. Today, India commemorates the nation's founding father by observing Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyrs' Day. On March 23, Martyrs' Day is also honoured in remembrance of three revolutionaries who were hanged by the British: Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar.

Why Does Gandhi Matter?

Gandhi provided the world and India a way to challenge unjust power without resorting to force. He cherished his nation and culture while acknowledging its flaws and working to change them. He refused to categorise citizenship according to religion even though he was a practising Hindu. He was a virtuoso of Gujarati writing and well-versed in Gujarati culture, yet he wasn't a narrow-minded localist. He was a patriot and an internationalist. He was an early environmentalist who saw the potential for global catastrophe brought on by unchecked consumption and growth. As he encountered new people and had new experiences, he was able to develop and change. He had a special talent for transforming followers into leaders. His readiness to reach out to the opposition and seek an honourable compromise, as well as his openness to understanding their perspective. The transparency of his political life is the next level of personality. 

Gandhi’s Contribution in India’s Independence

Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately known as Bapu, was crucial to the success of the Indian independence struggle. The Father of the Nation is how they refer to him. He was a renowned leader who adhered to the Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya values (truth). The person who led India toward independence was Mahatma Gandhi. For more than 250 years, Britain ruled over India. In 1915, Gandhi travelled back to India from South Africa at Gopal Krishna Gokhale's urging. There are no adequate words to express Gandhi's contribution to the Indian liberation fight. He and other Indian freedom warriors forced the British to abandon India. Millions of people were inspired by his nonviolent mission and policies, as well as his speech.

Below are the following contributions by Gandhi: 

Gandhi’s Role in World War I

Gandhi was invited to Delhi by Lord Chelmsford, the viceroy of India at the time, for a discussion on war. In order to gain the trust of the empire, Gandhi agreed to organise people to serve in the military for World War I. However, he did promise the Viceroy in a letter that "personally, I shall neither kill nor harm anybody, friend or foe."

Gandhi’s Role in The Champaran Agitation

Gandhi began actively engaged in the Champaran movement in Bihar, which was the forerunner of Indian independence politics. The Champaran farmers would be tortured if they protested being made to plant indigo. The farmers recruited Gandhi, and he used a well-organized peaceful protest to convince the government to make concessions.

Gandhi’s Role in Kheda

The local farmers in Gujarat's Kheda hamlet made a request to the authorities to cancel the taxes when the area was severely affected by floods. Gandhi then launched a signature campaign, in which peasants vowed to forgo paying taxes.

Gandhi’s Role in The Khilafat Movement

Gandhi's influence on the Muslim population was remarkable. Gandhi later became a well-known representative of the All India Muslim Conference and gave up the medals he had acquired from the Empire while serving in South Africa with the Indian Ambulance Corps.Due to his participation in the Khilafat, he soon rose to the position of national leader.

Gandhi’s Role in Non-Cooperation Movement

Gandhi understood that the Indians' collaboration was the sole reason the British were allowed to remain in India. In light of this, he called for a movement of non-cooperation. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre's foreboding day served as the catalyst for the non-cooperation movement. Swaraj, or self-governance, was Gandhi's stated objective and has since evolved into the guiding principle of the Indian independence movement.

Gandhi’s Role in Salt March

Gandhi's Salt March is regarded as a crucial event in the background of the freedom struggle. On December 31, 1929, the Indian flag was raised in Lahore, and the following January 26 was designated as Indian Independence Day. Gandhi then started a Satyagraha campaign in March 1930 to oppose the salt tax. To manufacture salt, he marched 388 kilometres from Ahmedabad to Dandi in Gujarat. The multitudes that joined him made it feasible for one of the biggest marches in Indian history.

Gandhi’s Role in World War II

During the Second World War, Gandhi was dedicated to striking the British Empire a crushing blow that would assure their ejection from India. Gandhi fiercely disagreed, contending that Indians cannot take part in a battle in defence of democracy because India is not a free country. The colonists were driven out of this nation within a half-decade after this argument revealed their duplicitous nature.

Message of Shaheed Diwas

In a time of tension between the two communities, Mahatma Gandhi continued his efforts to bring about peace even after India gained her independence. For the people of India, Shaheed Diwas is a day of immense significance and a chance for the country to gather together in remembrance of the sacrifices made by Gandhi and other freedom fighters in the fight for independence and freedom. By upholding Gandhi's principles of nonviolence and peace and striving for a better future for our nation and its citizens, let's always keep the spirit of Shaheed Diwas alive.