Maharashtra will observe Martyr’s Day on January 30th with a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. This tradition has been reinstated by a recent government order. The day is meant to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the country. However, the order has created some debate because it does not mention Mahatma Gandhi.
The tradition of observing a moment of silence on January 30th began after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. His great-grandson, Tushar A. Gandhi, expressed his concern in a letter to the Governor of Maharashtra. He noted that while the siren and two-minute silence were reinstated, the order did not mention Mahatma Gandhi’s name. Tushar Gandhi believes that this omission undermines the day’s historical meaning.
The letter also highlighted the significance of remembering all martyrs. In addition, he stressed the importance of honoring the ideals that Gandhi stood for. These ideals include non-violence and peace. The failure to mention Gandhi in the government order has led to criticism.
Historians and activists have also voiced their concerns. They feel that this omission is a disservice to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, who is considered the father of the nation. While the government has not commented on this specific issue, it is important to remember Gandhi’s role in India’s history.
The public’s reaction underscores how important it is to honor Gandhi’s memory. The implications of these actions and the need for an open discussion about the history of Martyr’s Day will likely continue. The ongoing debate reflects the importance of remembering India’s history.