Today in History

Mahatma Gandhi, India's "Great Soul" and prophet of non-violence was assassinated on the 30th of January, 1948.

The Son of a Senior Government Official, Gandhi was born and raised in a Hindu Bania community in coastal Gujarat, and trained in law in London. 

Gandhi became famous by fighting for the civil rights of Muslim and Hindu Indians in South Africa, using new techniques of "non-violence" that he developed.

His "philosophy" can be compared to that of Mother Theresa's; "Peace and Love above All".

Still weakened from a lengthy fast to urge peace between Muslims and Hindus, Gandhi was walking through a New Delhi garden on his way to prayer when a Hindu fanatic stepped out from the crowd and fired three shots into his emaciated body.

Gandhi's last words were "Ram, Ram", meaning "Oh God, Oh God".

His killer, Nathuram Godse, and his co-conspirator were tried and executed in 1949.

30th of January is observed as Martyrs' Day in India.

Gandhi's philosophy was not theoretical but one of pragmatism, that is, practicing his principles in real time. Asked to give a message to the people, he would respond:

"My life is my message".