India commemorates the 76th Martyrs’ Day on Tuesday, January 30, which also serves as the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi, a global icon for spearheading India’s independence movement, was fatally shot on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse. The tragic incident occurred as Gandhi was en route to address a prayer meeting at Birla Bhawan in Delhi.

Popularly known as the “Father of the Nation,” Gandhi played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for freedom, advocating for peaceful and non-violent methods against British colonial rule.

The historical and symbolic importance of Martyrs’ Day:

Martyrs’ Day, also recognized as Shaheed Diwas, is observed annually in India on January 30. This day is dedicated to honoring the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Additionally, it marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. In the aftermath, Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, was sentenced to death in 1949.