We all know that Mahatma Gandhi, the century’s most staunch believer and promoter of non-violence, met his end in a rather ironically violent way. He was shot dead in broad daylight by Nathuram Godse who strongly opposed Gandhiji’s involvement in the distribution of India into two parts. While Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin was given a death sentence and hanged on 15th November 1949, but what made exactly Godse to have committed such an act? Who was Nathuram Godse, to begin with? The biggest question is why Godse kill Mahatma Gandhi? Read on to know more about the whole incident of how Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi, why was Nathuram Godse hanged as well as a brief account of the last speech of Nathuram Godse.
Who Was Nathuram Godse?
Nathuram Godse was born on 19th May 1910, to a post office employee in Baramati, Pune. He was brought up as a girl since his father feared that his lineage had been cursed after his 3 sons died soon after their birth. The child named Ramachandra was made to wear a nose ring (nath), like the girls and thus acquired his current name, Nathuram.
While growing up, he was very much influenced by Gandhiji’s philosophies and had great respect towards him. So, why Godse kill Mahatma Gandhi?
Read it in the further section, about why and how Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi.
How Nathuram Godse Killed Mahatma Gandhi?
Nathuram Godse was one among the Hindu fanatics who protested against Mahatma Gandhi. On the evening of 30th January 1948 at around 5 PM, he arrived in the crowd admiring Gandhiji when he was being taken to the prayer meeting through the garden of Birla Lodge, frail and weak from fasting.
Godse carried an M1934 Beretta, a semi-automatic pistol and suddenly emerged from the crowd, shooting thrice at point-blank range in Gandhiji’s stomach and chest. Gandhiji had slumped to the ground, reciting “Ram, Ram” and within half an hour, he was declared dead. Nathuram Godse was caught, as he failed in his attempt at suicide.
Why Godse Kill Mahatma Gandhi?
According to the statement of Nathuram Godse, his killing of Mahatma Gandhi was purely political. He was enraged by the fact that Gandhiji, who had a lot of provocative power, tore and divided the subcontinent into two different nations, passively and unfairly favouring the Muslims.
He felt that there was a need to eradicate Gandhi immediately from the picture so that Congress could take independent decisions. Godse also condemned the last fast of Gandhiji when India wouldn’t release funds to Pakistan.
Last Speech Of Nathuram Godse
In the last and final statement given by Nathuram Godse to the court, he wished or expected no mercy for what he did. He accepted his crime of murdering Mahatma Gandhi in broad daylight and also stated that he wasn’t planning to flee from the sight.
However, even in his last moments, Godse said that he saw nothing wrong in his decision to kill Gandhi and that his morals are still upright and not shaken by the heavy criticism against him. In the statement, Nathuram Godse explained what prompted him to take these actions and even went as far as to justify it.
Also Read- 15 Interesting Facts About Mahatma Gandhi You Didn’t Know About
Was Nathuram Godse Hanged?
After killing Gandhiji, Nathuram Godse was arrested with the help of a young American Embassy consul, Herbert Reined Jr. He was put on a trial in the Punjab Court where Mahatma Gandhi’s sons pleaded for Godse’s forgiveness, as per Gandhiji’s ideologies, but ultimately Nathuram Godse was hanged on 15th November 1949.
Also Read- Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti: Know The History And Its Significance
Conclusion
So, this was all about Nathuram Godse’s theories and actions that led to the loss of one of our most important and prominent freedom fighters and country leaders, Mahatma Gandhi. India and the world will forever remember his philosophies and contributions to society as a whole.
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