INDIA: Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is called the "Father of India".

It is because of his pivotal role in leading the country to independence from British colonial rule using nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. 

His philosophy of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (truth and firmness) inspired millions of Indians to unite against oppression without resorting to violence.  

His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and peaceful protest laid the foundation for India’s democratic values and earned him the deep respect and love of the nation and around the world.

 

Mahatma Gandhi stayed at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) in New Delhi for about 144 days before he was assassinated there in 1948. It is now a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. 

You can follow the last footsteps he took, just before he was assassinated in 1948.   

Marked by a Martyr’s Column, this is the spot where he was shot during his evening prayer. 

Gandhi was cremated the next day at Raj Ghat. There is a memorial on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi. This black marble platform marks the spot where his last rites were performed. 

 

 The site is kept simple, in line with his philosophy, and an eternal flame burns in his memory.