Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi

India on Sunday paid homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi with prayer meetings and floral tributes on his 63rd death anniversary observed as Martyrs' Day.

India on Sunday paid homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi with prayer meetings and floral tributes on his 63rd death anniversary observed as Martyrs' Day.

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It was on Jan 30, 1948 that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.

The day commenced with 2-minute's silence at 11 am, followed by prayer meetings at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Hundreds of students chanted devotional songs at the prayer meeting organised by the Rajghat Samadhi Committee in the capital.

“We have been rehearsing here for the last 12 days for the Sunday event. We perform here every year. I am glad our school gets an opportunity to pay tribute to the father of the nation every year,” said Divya Sarisir, 14, a student from Navjyoti India Foundation School, who will be performing at the Gandhi Smriti museum.

Gandhi Smriti, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, is observing prayer services and other special programmes.

Gandhi Smriti director Manimala said: "Gandhiji always wanted to highlight the importance of manual labour. Here, in 'Kutir Udyog,' one can learn spinning, weaving, embroidery and pottery. Our intention is to show people the unseen India."

"Between 2,000 to 5,000 visitors come here every day. We have set up all facilities for them to learn about Gandhiji. There are reading rooms and even a meditation room. We will soon open our own cafeteria," she said.