The Mystery Behind Gandhiji's Death - Why Nathuram Godse Killed Mahatma? The Truth Behind The Tragedy

 

Picture Credit: Wikipedia

The day when every Indian's eyes got teared up, the day which has been marked as one of the most disappointing days in the history of our country. 

30th January 1948, the most unfortunate day for the nation when Gandhiji, the Father of Nation was assassinated and shot to death in a public place. 

Assassination of Gandhi

Gandhi, titled as Mahatma due to the noble and strong character he had. 

He was the person who always believed in truth and non-violence. 

He devoted his entire life in making India an independent country and sacrificed all the luxuries for the welfare of the Indians. 

But, still he somehow got a hater, who eventually killed him. 

Who Killed Gandhiji? 

Gandhiji was shot dead by Nathuram Godse at point- blank range when he was emerging for the prayer meeting in the capital city, Delhi.

Picture Credit: Wikipedia

Who was Nathuram Godse? 

Nathuram Vinayakrao Godse was born in a Maharashtrian Brahmin family on 19 may 1910.

His father Vinayak Vamanrao Godse was a postal officer and his mother was a homemaker. 

Initially he was named Ramachandra but later his name changed to Nathuram. 

Nathuram Godse As a Hindu Activist

Godse was a high school drop out. He joined RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and Hindu Mahasabha as he wanted to support Hindus. 

He was an active nationalist and used to write his opinions and thoughts as articles in the leading newspapers. 

In the early 1940s, he formed his own organization named "Hindu Rashtra Dal'', but still remained a member of both RSS and Hindu Mahasabha. 

He was upset over the partition of Hindus and Muslims. Hence he actively supported the Hindus and opposed the Muslims. 

Why did Nathuram Godse Kill Gandhiji? 

Gandhiji was a person with a lot of followers and believers across the country as well as in the world. 

But still Godse got the reason to kill him. 

Nathuram was also a patriot and in favour of Independent India but he was not in favour of fulfilling muslims' demands. 

Hence, he was not a person who might kill someone without a convincing reason. 

In his statement, he said that he was not guilty of shooting Gandhiji. 

In fact, he didn't even try to run after shooting, that shows that he was a person with courage and high spirit. 

He said that only reason of shooting Gandhiji was that he was in support of the Muslim community. 

Gandhiji's Support to Muslim

Gandhiji was always in favour of one India where all the people whether Hindu or Muslim live together. 

For that purpose, Gandhiji wanted to get the Muslims in his support. 

Many times, he favored the Muslim people over the Hindus. 

When things got out of control, he even supported the partition of the country between Hindus and Muslims. 

On 13 January 1948, Gandhiji started a fast unto death. He stated that the fast was neither in support of any party or any group, instead the fast is on behalf of Muslims in the minority and against the Hindu and sikh in the Union and Muslims of Pakistan. 

According to Godse's statement, one more reason for the fast was related to the mosques in Delhi occupied by the Hindu refugees. 

Godse said, when Hindus in Pakistan were subjected to violence, Gandhiji remained silent. 

He himself used to respect Gandhiji for what he did for the Indians in South Africa but he was angry over his support towards the Muslim community. 

Godse knew if Gandhi's fast gets successful, Muslims will get support from the Government and they will get power, but being a Hindu activist, he was against that. 

Hence, he decided to kill Gandhiji. 

How Was Gandhiji Killed? 

On 30 January 1948, Gandhiji was at Birla House in New Delhi for his prayer meeting, suddenly a person emerged from the crowd, blocked his path and fired three bullets from his automatic Beretta pistol in Gandhi's chest. 

Immediately, Gandhiji fell down leaving everyone shocked. He was carried to a room in the Birla house. 

Nathuram stood still at the place without trying to escape. People from the crowd captured him. He was immediately arrested. 

A representative from the room came and announced that Gandhiji is dead. 

Trial of Nathuram Godse

At the Punjab High Court, Godse was put on trial. 

He was sentenced to death on 8 November 1949.

He was hanged on 15 November 1949 at the Ambala Central Jail. 

What Were Gandhi's Last Words Before Dying? 

Before dying, Gandhiji had two words on his lips "Hey Ram".

All his life, he was a very spiritual man and had firm belief in Lord Rama. 

Why I Killed Gandhi- Nathuram Godse

A book titled " Why I killed Gandhi" was written by Godse before he was hanged.

The book basically deals with everything after Gandhi's death to Godse's death.

Main point is that the book is written by Godse, hence it gives a different prospective to Gandhi's death.

Petition in Supreme Court to Ban the Release of Movie

The movie "Maine Gandhi Ko Kyun Maara" Based on the above mentioned book is set to release soon.

Although The motive of the movie is to show Nathuram Godse as a patriot, the movie is believed to sugarcoat the character of Godse and tarnish the image of Gandhiji.

Hence, a PIL has been filed in SC by Congress leaders to completely ban the release of the movie.

Decision is yet to take by the Supreme Court.

Gandhiji always believed in reaching the destination walking on the path of truth and non- violence. 

Despite all the negativities, one must look at the positive part and learn the positive attributes from a person. 

Written By: Nidhi Jha

Edited By: Komal Jha