Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. A symbol of peace and social justice, Gandhi was a leader of India’s independence that insisted and preached a “satyagraha,” a Sandskirt term that loosely translates to “insistence upon truth,” a philosophy that of non-violence and civil disobedience. He believed in peaceful protesting, and is notably known for his 250-mile Salt March, a movement to protest the British high tax on salt.
Gandhi was murdered by the Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse. He was outside of a building, standing on the front steps. This was actually the sixth attempt on his life, the first occurring in 1934. In 1942, he demanded that Britain leave India, and give them their independence. Britain accepted, coming up with a plan that India is to be partitioned into India and Pakistan, which would become independent five years later. Gandhi opposed this, causing millions of Hindus and Muslims broke into violence and a country further divided by religion. Gandhi still kept to preach non-violence, which angered Hindu nationalists.
Gandhi had a strong, positive influence in both Eastern and Western world. His voice and strong stance on a philosophy of non-violence that were put into practice was able to liberate India, and give interpretations to Western philosophy as well. His philosophy has spread worldwide, and some of his most well known quotes immortalize him as a symbol of peace for the world, and serve as a way of remembering him. His assassination is a reminder of the grim reality of how violence can tear people apart.
How do you remember Gandhi?
