Thu Jan 30 17:07:00 UTC 2025: ## Mysuru Marks Martyrs’ Day with Gandhian Remembrance Amidst Condemnation of Hindutva Groups
**Mysuru, January 30, 2025** – Members of several organizations, including the Federation of Progressive Organisations and Janandolanagala Mahamaitri (JMM), observed Martyrs’ Day on Thursday as a black day, commemorating the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Gathering near a Gandhi statue, participants sang bhajans and condemned what they described as a hijacking of Gandhi’s image by Hindutva groups.
The JMM and other organizations criticized the portrayal of Lord Rama by these groups, alleging a distortion for divisive purposes. They emphasized the need to reaffirm Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and peace, particularly in the current climate. The groups specifically condemned the RSS, Hindu Mahasabha, and VHP, accusing them of promoting a cult of violence and deifying Nathuram Godse, Gandhi’s assassin.
Separately, the Centre of Gandhian Studies at the University of Mysore held Sarvodaya Day, featuring a lecture on Gandhi’s continuing relevance. Both events highlighted the contrasting views on Gandhi’s legacy and the ongoing debate surrounding his assassination and its implications for modern India.
First Piper 