Nathuram Vinayak Godse was born on 19 May 1910 in Baramati, Maharashtra, to Vinayak Vamanrao Godse and Limma Godse. He was a staunch advocate of a strong, unified Hindu religious state (Akhand Bharat) across India. After the partition of the country in 1947, it is estimated that over 2 million people died in the riots. He was deeply disturbed by this great loss, and the compromise that had been made on Hinduism. Nathuram Godse had great respect for Mahatma Gandhi. However, he strongly opposed Gandhi's role in the partition of the country, in favor of the Nehru government and especially Pakistan. He attributed this development to his strong conviction that no individual or leader was above the interests of the country. In the face of the damage being done to his political ideals and the integrity of the country, he took the extreme decision to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi on 30 January 1948. He was subsequently arrested and tried in court. In his statement, he explained that political reasons such as partition and financial support to Pakistan were the main motives behind his action. Accepting the legal punishment for his actions, Nathuram Godse died by hanging in Ambala Jail on 15 November 1949.
His intention was to protect Bharat instead of giving favors to Pakistan. Gandi even threated Nehru that he would leave Indi and live in Pakistan if India dis not meet the demands of Pakistan.
In the court, he said that “it was my first duty to serve Hindudom and Hindus both as a patriot and as a world citizen. To secure the freedom and to safeguard the just interests of some thirty crores (300 million) of Hindus would automatically constitute the freedom and the well being of all India, one fifth of human race. This conviction led me naturally to devote myself to the Hindu Sanghtanist ideology and programme, which alone, I came to believe, could win and preserve the national independence of Hindustan, my Motherland, and enable her to render true service to humanity as well.”
“Gandhi is being referred to as the Father of the Nation. But if that is so, he had failed his paternal duty in as much as he has acted very treacherously to the nation by his consenting to the partitioning of it. I stoutly maintain that Gandhi has failed in his duty. He has proved to be the Father of Pakistan. His inner-voice, his spiritual power and his doctrine of non-violence of which so much is made of, all crumbled before Jinnah's iron will and proved to be powerless.”
Before his death, he made a great resolution: Our religion says that Hindus should immerse their ashes in rivers after their deaths for better fortune. But, to keep his patriotic feelings alive, he told his family not to immerse his ashes until Akhand Bharat is achieved and the Indus River flows under the Indian flag. The great resolution to sacrifice even these good fortunes is a testament to his commitment to the nation. His ashes are still safe in Pune.
Teacher Tasks
Discussion after the story:
Although Nathuram Godse respected Mahatma Gandhi personally, what decision did he make for the interests of the country? (Discussion on the topic that no one is above the country.)
What was his resolve to abandon the religious concept of achieving a better life by immersing himself in idols? (Discussion on the topic of personal sacrifice for the ideal of an all-India nation.)
What did he want to say to the people by explaining the political reasons for his action in court?
Expression
Map of India: Children should try to draw a map of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Flag of Commitment: Prepare a flag that conveys the slogan that the interests of the country in which they believe are supreme.
Practical Activity
Stand up for what is right and good for the country: This week, they should try to stand up for something that they believe is right and good for the country.
Historical Knowledge: Try to collect more information about the partition of the country or about India.
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