Martyrs’ Day 2022: Martyrs’ Day is an annual commemoration of soldiers who died in the line of duty while preserving their country’s sovereignty.
The exact day may differ from one country to the next.
In India, Martyr’s Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, is commemorated mainly on two occasions.
The day on which three courageous independence fighters, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, were hung by the British is commemorated on March 23rd.
In addition, Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, 30 January, is commemorated as Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas.
Let’s take a closer look at it.
Martyrs’ Day 2022: History and Significance
It is important to know that Shaheed diwas is observed on many days in India.
January 30 is observed as the Martyrs’ Day every year across the country to mark the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu.
Earlier this year, the Central government directed all state governments and union ministries to observe two minutes of silence on January 30 in the memory of martyred freedom fighters.
The sacrifice by the trio of heroes became a source of inspiration for millions of Indians.
It is for this reason March 23 was commemorated as Shaheed Diwas.
On January 30, the day is observed with the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister gathering at Rajghat in New Delhi to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
The top-most leaders of the country lay wreaths in remembrance of the Mahatma. They are joined by three service chiefs as well.
Martyrs’ Day 2022: Celebration
On this day, Indians in particular pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru. These freedom fighters had lost their lives on March 23 in 1931 during the struggle for India’s independence. They were hanged for assassinating British officer John Saunders in 1928.
Singh, Thapar and Rajguru were very young when they gave ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Their story continues to inspire the youth today.
Every year on January 30, India commemorates Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas. Mahatma Gandhi was shot and killed by Nathuram Godse during his evening prayers in the Birla House on January 30, 1948. As a result, the country commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary on January 30th as Martyr’s Day.
The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and the three Service Chiefs (Army, Air Force, and Navy) lay multi-colored floral wreaths at his Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi on this day. A two-minute silence is held across the country at 11 a.m. in honor of Indian martyrs.
Martyrs’ Day 2022: Reason of Death of Bhagat Singh and his companions
On April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and his companions threw explosives over the Central Legislative Assembly while shouting the slogan “Inquillab Zindabad.”
And for this, a murder case was charged against them. They were executed at the Lahore Jail on March 23, 1931. Their ashes were scattered along the Sutlej River’s banks.
They sacrificed their lives for the welfare of our nation although they have chosen a different path from Mahatma Gandhi. They are a source of inspiration for India’s young.
They came forward at such a young age and battled valiantly for freedom. As a result, Martyr’s Day is observed on March 23rd to honor these three revolutionaries.
Although we should always remember our all heroes and their priceless sacrifices for the country but we mainly commemorate them on these two days.
