Every year on January 30, India observes ‘Shaheed Diwas’ or ‘Martyr’s Day’. The day marks the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi.

On this day, India pays homage to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom for India from the oppressive British regime.

Why is Martyr’s Day is observed on January 30?

Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as the Father of the Nation. He led India’s struggle for freedom and is revered by everyone for his non-violent approach against the British Raj.

However, there were many who opposed Gandhi's ideas, and blamed him for the partition of India.

On January 30, 1948, just five months after India gained independence, Gandhi was shot three times at point-blank range during a prayer meeting at Birla House compound in New Delhi. He was 78.

He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. Gandhi died at the spot.

Since then, India observes that day as ‘Martyr’s Day’ to mourn the loss of its greatest freedom fighter.

How is ‘Martyr’s Day’ celebrated?

Every year on this day, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the three Service Chiefs —Army, Air Force, and Navy—pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat in Delhi.

As per the government’s directions, two minutes of silence is observed in states and UTs on January 30 in the memory of martyred freedom fighters.

People across India observe seven Martyr's Day in a year. The day is celebrated to honour the martyrs of the nation.

The seven days are: January 30, March 23, May 19, October 21, November 17, November 19, and November 24.

What does Gandhi represent?

Gandhi is the symbol of non-violence. Many world leaders regard him as their inspiration.

Martin Luther King Jr, the African-American civil rights movement leader, Nelson Mandela, the great leader of the South African people, Dalai Lama and Albert Einstein, among many, revere Gandhi.

Gandhi's philosophy is based on three principles: non-violence, the fight for truth (satyagraha) and individual and political freedom (swaraj).

In his fight for peace, he sought advice from the teachings of Buddha and the Prophet Mohammed.

Gandhi believed that pure faith could unite people of different religions. “I can see that in the midst of death, life persists. In the midst of untruth, truth persists. In the midst of darkness, light persists. Hence, I gather that God is life, truth, light. He is love. He is the supreme good.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Every year on January 30, India observes ‘Shaheed Diwas’ or ‘Martyr’s Day’. The day marks the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi.

Every year on January 30, India observes ‘Shaheed Diwas’ or ‘Martyr’s Day’. The day marks the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi. On this day, India pays homage to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom for India from the oppressive British regime. Why is Martyr’s Day is observed on January 30? Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as the Father of the Nation. He led India’s struggle for freedom and is revered by everyone for his non-violent approach against the British Raj. However, there were many who opposed Gandhi's ideas, and blamed him for the partition of India. On January 30, 1948, just five months after India gained independence, Gandhi was shot three times at point-blank range during a prayer meeting at Birla House compound in New Delhi. He was 78. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. Gandhi died at the spot. Since then, India observes that day as ‘Martyr’s Day’ to mourn the loss of its greatest freedom fighter. How is ‘Martyr’s Day’ celebrated? Every year on this day, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the three Service Chiefs —Army, Air Force, and Navy—pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat in Delhi. As per the government’s directions, two minutes of silence is observed in states and UTs on January 30 in the memory of martyred freedom fighters. People across India observe seven Martyr's Day in a year. The day is celebrated to honour the martyrs of the nation. The seven days are: January 30, March 23, May 19, October 21, November 17, November 19, and November 24. What does Gandhi represent? Gandhi is the symbol of non-violence. Many world leaders regard him as their inspiration. Martin Luther King Jr, the African-American civil rights movement leader, Nelson Mandela, the great leader of the South African people, Dalai Lama and Albert Einstein, among many, revere Gandhi. Gandhi's philosophy is based on three principles: non-violence, the fight for truth (satyagraha) and individual and political freedom (swaraj). In his fight for peace, he sought advice from the teachings of Buddha and the Prophet Mohammed. Gandhi believed that pure faith could unite people of different religions. “I can see that in the midst of death, life persists. In the midst of untruth, truth persists. In the midst of darkness, light persists. Hence, I gather that God is life, truth, light. He is love. He is the supreme good.” (With inputs from agencies)

Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ and how is it connected to Mahatma Gandhi?

India last week conferred Padma Award to two Indonesian nationals, Dr I. Wayan Dibia for art related to Ramayana and Mahabharata and Agus Indra Udayana for his work in promoting Gandhian values in the archipelago nation.

Both are based out of Bali, the only Hindu-majority province in Muslim-majority Indonesia.

Speaking to WION, Dr I. Wayan Dibia on the Indian government conferring him award said, "This is a very special award for me. It is out of my expectations. In my work, I work a lot in Ramayana and Mahabharata. I didn't expect this kind of recognition to be given by the Indian government."

He has created more than 150 new works on dance and dance dramas, mostly exploring both the Hindu Epics. Indian culture has impacted Bali since the fifth century and nine&nbsp;different art forms in the province utilising the epics.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/padma-awards-2021-foreign-dignitaries-honoured-by-highest-civilian-awards-of-india-427702">Padma Awards 2021: Foreign dignitaries honoured by highest civilian awards of India</a>

He explained, "people of Bali are very familiar with Mahabharata and Ramayana. The people Java too. Java Bali are areas where Ramayana and Mahabharata are very important. That is the literature we use in my performing arts..To Bali people it's not just literature, it is Itihas, story of Gods, the journey of Gods, the philosophical way of life ".

Dibia is Bali's most influential Kecak Dancer, a traditional Indonesian art form depicting chapters of Ramayana. He has collaborated with Indian artists. In 2016, he worked with Indian dancers living in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the other key Indonesian awardee is Agus Indra Udayana is the founder of Ashram Gandhi, Bali. The ashram gives scholarships to 45 students for education and life in Ashram follows "simplicity of Mahatma Gandhi".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-india-help-vietnam-in-the-disputed-south-china-sea-428966" hreflang="en">How can India help Vietnam in the disputed South China Sea?</a>

"It was a surprise for me...I say thank you to President Kovind and PM Modi" Udayana said, highlighting, "we should live very simple...Gandhi's idea's very simple.."

His Ashram has been visited by 2 Indonesian President has been to the Ashram-Megawati Sukarnoputri and Abdurrahman Wahid. Both of them also were honoured at the Indonesian embassy. &nbsp;Udayana and Dibia are Hindus by religion.

India last week conferred Padma Award to two Indonesian nationals, Dr I. Wayan Dibia for art related to Ramayana and Mahabharata and Agus Indra Udayana for his work in promoting Gandhian values in the archipelago nation.

India last week conferred Padma Award to two Indonesian nationals, Dr I. Wayan Dibia for art related to Ramayana and Mahabharata and Agus Indra Udayana for his work in promoting Gandhian values in the archipelago nation. Both are based out of Bali, the only Hindu-majority province in Muslim-majority Indonesia. Speaking to WION, Dr I. Wayan Dibia on the Indian government conferring him award said, "This is a very special award for me. It is out of my expectations. In my work, I work a lot in Ramayana and Mahabharata. I didn't expect this kind of recognition to be given by the Indian government." He has created more than 150 new works on dance and dance dramas, mostly exploring both the Hindu Epics. Indian culture has impacted Bali since the fifth century and nine different art forms in the province utilising the epics. Also see | Padma Awards 2021: Foreign dignitaries honoured by highest civilian awards of India He explained, "people of Bali are very familiar with Mahabharata and Ramayana. The people Java too. Java Bali are areas where Ramayana and Mahabharata are very important. That is the literature we use in my performing arts..To Bali people it's not just literature, it is Itihas, story of Gods, the journey of Gods, the philosophical way of life ". Dibia is Bali's most influential Kecak Dancer, a traditional Indonesian art form depicting chapters of Ramayana. He has collaborated with Indian artists. In 2016, he worked with Indian dancers living in Toronto. Meanwhile, the other key Indonesian awardee is Agus Indra Udayana is the founder of Ashram Gandhi, Bali. The ashram gives scholarships to 45 students for education and life in Ashram follows "simplicity of Mahatma Gandhi". Also read | How can India help Vietnam in the disputed South China Sea? "It was a surprise for me...I say thank you to President Kovind and PM Modi" Udayana said, highlighting, "we should live very simple...Gandhi's idea's very simple.." His Ashram has been visited by 2 Indonesian President has been to the Ashram-Megawati Sukarnoputri and Abdurrahman Wahid. Both of them also were honoured at the Indonesian embassy. Udayana and Dibia are Hindus by religion.

Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gandhi connect to Indonesia's Padma awardees

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Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ and how is it connected to Mahatma Gandhi?

Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gandhi connect to Indonesia's Padma awardees

April 6 in history: First modern Olympic games, US enters WWI and more