Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, is a solemn occasion that is observed every year on January 30 to honor the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, whose assassination occurred precisely on that date in 1948. He was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and is commonly known in India as “Bapu,” which translates to “Father of the Nation.”
Mahatma Gandhi was a visionary leader who played an instrumental role in India’s fight for independence from British colonial rule. He advocated non-violent methods of resistance, such as civil disobedience, satyagraha, and ahimsa, that inspired millions of people to join his cause. He also championed the values of peace, truth, and social justice, and influenced many global movements for civil rights and human dignity.
Also Read: Gandhi Jayanti 2023: 10 Interesting Facts about the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi
On this day, various events and ceremonies are organized across the country to pay homage to Gandhi and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries gather at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, to offer floral tributes and observe a two-minute silence at 11 a.m., the time when Gandhi was shot. The armed forces also salute the martyrs by laying wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial at India Gate in New Delhi. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions often organize special assemblies and programs to educate students about the significance of Martyrs’ Day and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters.
Mahatma Gandhi is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in history, and his teachings and philosophy continue to inspire people around the world. On his death anniversary, here are 15 inspirational quotes by him that reflect his wisdom and vision:
- “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
- “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
- “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”
- “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
- “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
- “Where there is love there is life.”
- “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
- “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
- “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
- “Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”
- “God has no religion.”
- “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
- “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
- “Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”
- “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
Also Read: Essay on Mahatma Gandhi for Students
Let us remember and honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and other martyrs on this day, and strive to uphold the ideals of freedom, peace, and unity that they fought for.
