Saturday, July 7, 2007

Murder of Mahatma

Nathu Ram Godse, who shot Mahatma Gandhi from point blank range on 30th January 1948, touched his feet to pay respect to the Father of Nation prior to shooting him.

Nathu Ram Godse was a shy, non-violent by nature and a learned person. He was agitated over partition of India which Mahatma had agreed. Moreover, Gandhi was adamant to give Pakistan a sum of Rs 550 Million as compensation. Prime Minister Nehru and his cabinet had passed a resolution not to give Pakistan the said amount as the latter has waged tribal war against India in Kashmir. Gandhi went on fast to oppose this and ultimately cabinet had to revert its decision. This agitated Godse more.

The final remains (ashes) of Godse are still kept in his house according to his will which he wrote prior to being hanged. He evenly distributed his money among his brothers, freedom workers and part of it to charities.

Godse presented historic arguments during his case though he refused to defend himself. The judge was moved by his knowledge and extraordinary command over English language; commented "Though he was bound by the provisions of law to write death sentence for Godse, but if the public present in the court room was to pass a judgement, the decision would probably have gone in favor of the accused".

According to the will of Godse, his ashes to be flown into Sindhu river, if ever India and Pakistan become one nation again. Until then they are to be preserved.