New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other top political leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary today. This day is also observed as Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas when the nation remembers its freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.
''I bow to Bapu on his Punya Tithi and recall his profound thoughts. I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred in the service of our nation. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and will keep strengthening our resolve to work for a developed India,'' Modi tweeted.
India is observing the 75th death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the father of the nation, who was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.
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Home minister Amit Shah also expressed his gratitude to Mahatma Gandhi. “Million salutes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, who inspired us to become self-reliant by adopting the path of indigenousness and self-reliance”.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also recalled the sacrifice of the Father of the Nation.
“Bapu taught the whole country to live with love, equality of all religions and to fight for the truth. Extending salutes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his martyrdom day,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi in Hindi.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also offered tribute saying, "The ideology of hatred because of which we lost Bapu, only Bapu's principles of truth, non-violence and love can defeat it."
Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy was based on the principles of non-violence, the fight for truth (satyagraha), and political and individual freedom (Swaraj).
Godse, a member of Hindu Mahasabha, fired three bullets into Gandhi’s chest as he made his way to a prayer meeting. Godse was also a member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh but his affiliation with the organisation at the time of assassination is contested.