On 30th January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, was shot in Birla House compound in New Delhi at the age of 78,by Nathuram Godse – a Hindu -  who was opposed to Gandhi’s views on the Partition of India.

Gandhiji’s last act before he collapsed, was to lift both his hands as a sign of prayer and utter “Hey Ram” (“Oh God”) signifying that that he forgave his assassin.  His final words bespeak the greatness of the man; no wonder then he was given the title of Mahatma – Great Soul – by Tagore.  Gandhi is a role model of love and nonviolence for generations to come.

Pandit Nehru came out to address the huge gathering of nearly two lakhs which had surrounded Birla House, but broke down with grief more than once when he spoke. The other leaders, present there,looked dazed and grieved, while tears flowed down the cheeks of countless women and men both inside and outside Birla House.

Millions joined Mahatma Gandhi’s funeral procession on the 31st of January 1948 from Birla House to Rajghat, New Delhi. The huge crowd that walked the whole way, accompanying their beloved Bapu on his last journey, epitomizes Gandhi’s power over the hearts and minds of the Indian masses.Millions mourned on that day, seeing this colossal loss to the nation as their very own personal loss!

To mark this date and take forward his actions, dear signatories, please empower and motivate 10 more people to join this initiative and sign the petition and follow our hashtag no.3 #SpreadTheWordforPeace. We request you to promote Nonviolent Conflict Resolution – the way Gandhi did!

Picture Credits- from the book- ‘The Science of Peace’ by Dr. Suman Khanna Aggarwal (Pg. no. 118) published by Shanti Sahyog Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (SS CPCR).