“Selfishness can only be removed by the devoted service of others without any expectations of reward.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Martyr's Day is observed on several (seven) dates in India and each day holds a unique significance. 30th January is observed on a National level since it also marks the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. Martyr’s Day or Sarvodaya Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed to recognize the martyrs of the nation. The day commemorates the martyrs who fought for the Independence of India. The souls who laid down their lives in contribution to paving the path of independence for India are honored and remembered on this day. Today, we give a salute to our heroes who sacrificed their precious lives to keep our Mother Land safe.
30th January is observed as Martyr's Day nationally in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The father of our nation was assassinated in 1948 by Nathuram Godse on 30th January making the day one unforgettable memory in the journey of India's memorable independence struggle. The contributions and sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi are so huge that his death was followed by immense grief. Satyagraha - a movement of nonviolent resistance was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi. He was involved in various freedom-fighting movements across the country advocating peace over violence. He may no longer be among us today but his strong legacy remains as a constant reminder of his beliefs and relentless contributions to the nation. Mahatma Gandhi is engraved in people's memory as a wise leader who is addressed as Bapu ji(meaning father) and will continue to remain in our hearts. His fight against injustice has been an inspiration throughout the world and an example to win over unfairness without using violence. His two powerful weapons were ‘Satya’ and ‘Ahimsa’, commonly called truth and non-violence.
The death anniversary of three revolutionary freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru is observed on 23rd March as Martyr's Day. They were hanged to death by colonialists in Lahore Jail. Their ideas were contradicting Mahatma Gandhi's ideas but still played a crucial part in achieving freedom from the British. Deeply affected by the assassination of Lala Lajpat Rai, the trio decided to kill the police chief who was responsible (Superintendent of Police James A. Scott) for the death of Rai. Missing the target they ended up killing John Saunders and later fled to Lahore escaping the death penalty. They were later charged for throwing bombs at Central Legislative Assembly at Delhi and subjected to the death sentence/penalty.
May 19th is observed as Marty's Day in memory of eleven people killed by state police on the 19th of May at Silchar railway station, Assam over the dispute of protesting against the Assamese government in their decision of making Assamese as their only official language among the Bengali population. It was also known as Bhasha Shahid Divas, literally translated as Language Martyrs Day.
Police Martyr's Day or Police Commemoration Day is observed on the 21st of October nationwide. The event dates back to 1958 during the Sino-Indian border dispute, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was ambushed by Chinese forces in Ladakh.
The death anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, known as the Lion of Punjab(Punjab da Sher), also a freedom fighter is observed as one of the seven Martyr's Day on 17th November. He died due to a severe head injury(leading to a heart attack) after suffering the trauma for eighteen days by leading a peaceful protest march against the all-British Simon Commission.
The birthday of Rani Lakshmibai, (the queen consort of the Maratha princely state who took part actively in the Indian Rebellion of 1857) is observed as Martyr's Day on 19 November. It honors the lives that had been laid down during the Rebellion of 1857.
Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of ten Gurus who founded the Sikh religion. According to a Chronicler's words, Guru gained many followers of soldiers and horsemen. He also provided shelter to those who were resistant Mughals. These events were reported to the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb and it raised a concern of a rebellion. Later he refused to accept Aurangzeb's authority resulting in his execution in Delhi. November 24, Guru's death anniversary is observed as the day of Martyrdom.
Stories of the courage of our freedom fighters who have put up a persistent fighting spirit have the power to move us to tears. While some are remembered and mentioned above many are lost in the pages of history. The free air we breathe in and every moment of independence we cherish is a result of a sacrifice from the freedom fighters and from the soldiers who fought for the nation we call home today. On this day, let us take a moment to pay gratitude and respect to all those who attained martyrdom.
Martyrs have laid their life down for this country and while they are sadly not physically among us today, they continue to live on in our memories. Let us pray for peace for their souls and loved ones. AMEN
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oye_nakhrewaali | Leprechaun | Life_Is_Dutiful |
sxursaep | la_Reine |Yuvika_15 |
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