Shaheed Diwas 2024

Every year on January 30th, we observe Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas in India to pay tribute to the great Indian leader- Mahatma Gandhi. On this day, in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi passed away at the age of 78. Mahatma Gandhi was on his way to address an evening prayer meeting at Birla Bhavan, Delhi, when he was shot by a man named Nathuram Godse. He succumbed to the injury and took his last breath amongst a crowd of his followers. 

Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, on October 2nd, 1869 and was named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi at birth. He went to South Africa to become a lawyer and then came back to India to fight for its independence. He was a prominent leader who stood against the British Raj. With his policy of Ahimsa (non-violence), he won the hearts of millions of Indians and led them in the freedom struggles. Mahatma Gandhi was given the title of “Mahatma,” meaning “the great soul,” by poet Rabindranath Tagore. He is also known as the “Father of the Nation” and called “Bapu” by his followers.

The Government of India announced January 30th as Shaheed Diwas to honour one of the greatest Indian leaders. On this day, the political leaders of India visit Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Raj Ghat memorial. A two-minute silence was observed at 11 am across the country to honour the memory of all Indian martyrs. Cultural programs are organised in schools and colleges to honour Gandhiji. His birth anniversary is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.