Why Killed Gandhi Nathuram Vinayak Godse: Unveiling the Untold Story

On a fateful day, January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the epitome of non-violence and the father of modern India, met his tragic end. The entire nation mourned the loss of a visionary leader who had dedicated his life to the liberation of his country. As the news spread like wildfire, there was a name that echoed in the hearts and minds of millions - Nathuram Vinayak Godse.

The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was a defining moment in Indian history, but what drove Godse to commit such a heinous act? Was it religious fanaticism or political disagreement? Unveiling the untold story behind this tragic event may shed some light on the factors that led to Gandhi's untimely demise.

The Life and Ideology of Nathuram Vinayak Godse

Nathuram Vinayak Godse was born on May 19, 1910, in the small town of Baramati, Maharashtra. From a young age, Godse showed exceptional intelligence and a strong sense of patriotism. He was deeply influenced by Hindu nationalism and the teachings of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent proponent of Hindutva ideology.

Why I Killed Gandhi

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Gandhi's role in the Indian freedom struggle, with its emphasis on non-violent resistance and religious inclusivity, clashed with Godse's staunch belief in Hindu supremacy. He believed that Gandhi's policies were detrimental to the Hindu community, condemning them to perpetual subjugation by other religious groups.

In 1946, Godse co-founded the extremist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),which sought to establish a Hindu Rashtra (nation). He became disillusioned with the diverse and secular vision of independent India championed by Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.

The Motive behind Gandhi's Assassination

Godse's resentment towards Gandhi deepened when India was partitioned in 1947, leading to the creation of Pakistan. He blamed Gandhi for agreeing to the partition, believing it was a betrayal of Hindus. Godse saw Gandhi's efforts towards communal harmony as appeasement of Muslims and the weakening of Hindu interests.

Another reason behind Godse's act of violence was his conviction that Gandhi was responsible for the continuous bloodshed during the partition. He believed that by advocating for non-violence and refusing to recognize the urgency of self-defense, Gandhi had failed to protect the Hindu community.

Additionally, Godse was vehemently opposed to Gandhi's support for the payment of a large sum of money to Pakistan as a goodwill gesture. He saw this as an unfair compromise that undermined India's sovereignty and perpetuated religious inequalities.

The Assassination: A Detailed Account

On that ill-fated day of January 30, 1948, Nathuram Vinayak Godse, along with his accomplice Narayan Apte, approached Gandhi during his evening prayer meeting in New Delhi. Disguised as a Hindu devotee, Godse managed to get close to Gandhi and fired three bullets at point-blank range.

The nation was left in shock. The man who preached peace and unity had fallen victim to a fanatic's bullet. Godse was apprehended immediately and stood trial for his crime. During his trial, he passionately defended his actions, stating that he acted out of a deep sense of duty towards his country.

Ultimately, Godse was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was executed on November 15, 1949, leaving behind a legacy that continues to provoke debate and controversy even today.

Legacy and Aftermath

The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi shook the nation to its core and had far-reaching consequences. While some hailed Godse as a hero and a martyr of Hindu interests, the majority condemned his actions and denounced his extremist ideology.

Gandhi's death had a profound impact on the Indian political landscape. It further polarized religious communities and ignited debates about the role of violence in achieving political goals. The incident also raised questions about the effectiveness of non-violence as a means of resistance in the face of religious intolerance.

, Nathuram Vinayak Godse's motive for assassinating Mahatma Gandhi stemmed from his deep-rooted beliefs in Hindu nationalism and his perception of Gandhi's ideologies as detrimental to Hindu interests. The assassination, tragic as it was, had a lasting impact on India's political and social fabric, shaping the trajectory of the nation's history.

As we reflect on this dark chapter in our history, it is essential to remember the importance of peaceful coexistence and understanding. The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi continues to inspire generations to strive for a better and more inclusive world.

This article has explored the reasons behind Gandhi's assassination, shedding light on the life and ideology of Nathuram Vinayak Godse. The untold story behind this tragic event serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that shape the course of history.

Why I Killed Gandhi

by Nathuram Vinayak Godse(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	533 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	17 pages

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Godse approached Gandhi on January 30, 1948 during the evening prayer at 5:15 pm. When Godse bowed, one of the girls flanking and supporting Gandhi, said to Godse, "Brother, Bapu is already late" and tried to put him off, but he pushed her aside and shot Gandhi in the chest three times at point-blank range with a semi-automatic pistol. Gandhi was taken to Birla-House, where he later died. This is the autobiography of Gandhi's killer. Book contains the original statement given by Nathuram Godse.