Context

Shaheed Diwas or Martyr’s Day is observed every year on January 30 to honour recognised martyrs of the nation.

Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs Day: Background

• Occasion: India observes Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. 
  • January 30 is also the death anniversary of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
  • It was on this day that Gandhiji was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse.
• Marking the Day: On this 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 Raj Ghat memorial and lay wreaths at Gandhiji’s samadhi.
  • The armed forces’ personnel blow bugles, sounding the Last Post and the inter-services contingent reverse arms as a mark of respect.
  • A two-minute silence is observed across the nation to remember Gandhiji and all other martyrs of the nation.

• Significance of Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs Day

• • Remember Martyrs of the Nation: Martyrs Day honours the martyrs who gave up their lives for the nation.
  • Remember Mahatma Gandhi: The occasion of Martyrs Day provides us an opportunity to reflect upon teachings of Gandhi Ji.
  • Spread Idea of Peace: On the occasion of Martyrs Day, events are organised to spread the message of non-violence and peace.

About Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs Day

• About: Shaheed Diwas is marked on January 30 to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to India and his sacrifices during the freedom struggle.
• History and Background:
  • India became an independent nation on 15th August 1947. It not just ended the British rule in India, but also bifurcated the nation into two dominions: India and Pakistan.
  • The move of bifurcation of India was opposed by many sections, including certain organisations such as Hindu Mahasabha.
  • Nathuram Godse, one of the members of the Hindu Mahasabha, believed that Gandhiji was too accommodative of demands of Pakistan, especially when India-Pakistan were involved in a war.
  • On 30 January 1948, Gandhiji was staying in Birla House in Delhi. 
    • He used to conduct daily prayer meetings in the evening, which were open to all. 
  • On the day of the assassination, Gandhiji was moving towards the venue of the prayer meeting when Godse, the assassin, came out of the crowd into Gandhiji’s path.
  • He fired three shots at Gandhiji. The bullets struck Gandhiji’s chest, stomach, and groin and he collapsed on the ground. 
  • The assassin was apprehended by the military personnel who were at the spot, his pistol snatched away and beaten by the crowd before police took him into custody.
  • Gandhiji was pronounced dead the same day. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India announced the death of Gandhiji through a radio broadcast.

After-Math of Gandhiji’s Assassination:

• Anti-Brahmin Riots: 

• • Despite calls for peace, there was violence reported in the country, especially against Brahmins in Bombay province.
  • Chitpavan Brahmins, the sub-group to which Godse belonged, were the main targets of violence.

• Gandhiji’s Funeral:

• • More than two million people took part in the five-mile-long funeral procession that took over five hours to reach Raj Ghat from Birla House.
  • Gandhiji’s mortal remains were cremated traditionally. 
    • The ashes were collected and later immersed in rivers and seas across the country. 

• Trial and Punishment of Godse: 

• • Godse’s trial began in May 1948 at a special court set up in Delhi’s Red Fort. The judge was Atma Charan and the prosecution was led by CK Daphtary.
  • Those arrested include Godse, Narayan Apte and five others. Vinayak Savarkar was also one among those arrested.
  • After the trial, Godse, Apte, and five others were convicted of the crime. Godse and Apte were sentenced to death while Savarkar was acquitted.
  • Based on an appeal filed in Punjab High Court, Dattatraya Parchure and Shankar Kistayya were acquitted of all charges. The charges against Godse were upheld.
  • The Governor-General of India, C Rajagopalachari rejected their mercy petitions. Both Godse and Apte were hanged on November 15, 1949, in Ambala jail.

• Political Churnings: 

• • After Gandhiji’s assassination, the Government of India, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, imposed a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing it of being involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Gandhiji.
  • Proponents of right-wing ideology, such as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and M S Golwalkar, were also arrested and put on trial. However, many of them were acquitted.
  • The death and funeral of Gandhiji helped consolidate the authority of the new Indian state under Nehru. The occasion was used to send a message, giving legitimacy to the Congress party as the flag-bearer of Gandhiji’s ideology.

Other Shaheed Diwas Or Martyrs Days in India

Conclusion

Martyrs Day not only pays tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation, but also remembers Gandhiji’s contributions and teachings.