Martyrs’ Day 2023: Significance of Shaheed Diwas on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary | India News – Times of India

Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, is observed in India on January 30 to commemorate the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. On this day, the entire country pays tribute to all the heroes of the Indian freedom struggle, who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
History of Shaheed Diwas
In India, there are seven days declared as Martyrs’ Day (at national level also known as Sarvodaya day). They are named in honour of those who are recognized as martyrs for the nation.
January 30 is one of the dates on which Shaheed Diwas is observed every year at the national level. The date was chosen as it marks the assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1948, by Nathuram Godse.
To commemorate the efforts and struggles the father of our nation and other freedom fighters went through in laying the foundation of this sacred nation, India, January 30 is nationally observed as Martyr’s Day.
It is a day to pay tribute to Gandhi’s legacy and honor his non-violent movement for Indian independence from British rule. The day serves as a reminder of Gandhi’s impact on India and the world and the power of non-violent resistance. It also promotes the values of peace, tolerance and inspires future generations to continue Gandhi’s work.
Significance of Martyrs’ Day
The significance of this day is to honor Gandhi’s legacy and remember his sacrifice for the independence of India.
Gandhi was a political and spiritual leader who played a key role in India’s independence movement. He advocated for non-violent resistance and his philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience inspired civil rights and freedom movements around the world.
Gandhi’s initiatives today are etched in history. The sovereignty that we experience today is a direct result of his and many other revolutionaries’ fight towards oppression and exploitation taken place for years prior to gaining independence. His methods always leaned towards resolving conflicts peacefully and promoting unity within the country and across the world. Based on the principles of ‘Ahimsa’ he found success with his campaign for India’s Independence and became an inspiration to many nations around the world.
In short, the significance of Shaheed Diwas lies in the fact that Gandhi led major movements against British rule through a non-violent approach, his philosophy based on the principles of non-violence, the fight for truth (satyagraha), and political and individual freedom (Swaraj).
How is it observed?
January 30 is also observed as a day of non-violence and peace and is marked by various ceremonies and events organized by the government across the country to commemorate the bravery and selflessness of our heroes.
On this day, tributes are paid to Gandhi, speeches and discussions are held on his teachings and principles of non-violence, and various programs are organized to spread his message of peace and tolerance.
On Martyr’s Day the President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs gather at the samadhi at RajGhat memorial and lay wreaths decorated with multi-colour flowers. The armed forces personnel blow bugles sounding the Last Post. The inter-services contingent reverse arms as a mark of respect. A two-minute silence in memory of Indian martyrs is observed throughout the country at 11 am. Participants hold all-religion prayers and sing tributes.
The Supreme Court of India also observes two minutes of silence on ‘Martyrs Day‘. All the judges stand in silence halting proceedings till a bell is sounded to conclude it after two minutes.