Nathuram Godse's life before the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was marked by political activism and involvement in various right-wing Hindu nationalist organizations. Here is a brief overview of how he lived before the assassination:
1. Early Life: Nathuram Godse was born on May 19, 1910, in Pune, India. He came from a Brahmin family and had a relatively modest upbringing.
2. RSS Membership: Godse joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, during his youth. He was an active member of the RSS and shared its ideological beliefs.
3. Journalism: Godse worked as a journalist for some time. He was associated with the Marathi newspaper "Agrani," which was known for its right-wing and nationalist views.
4. Political Activism: Along with his involvement in the RSS, Godse also participated in various political activities and campaigns aligned with Hindu nationalist causes.
5. Opposition to Gandhi: Godse strongly disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi's policies and approach to Indian politics, particularly regarding issues related to the partition of India and the treatment of Hindus in Pakistan.
6. Assassination Plot: Godse, along with other like-minded individuals who shared his beliefs, conspired to assassinate Gandhi due to their ideological differences and grievances against him.
7. Assassination and Capture: As previously mentioned, on January 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse carried out the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi at Birla House in New Delhi.
Following his capture, Godse was put on trial, found guilty, and subsequently executed for the assassination of Gandhi. His actions continue to be a subject of historical and political debate in India.
Godse's motivations for assassinating Gandhi were rooted in his strong disagreement with Gandhi's ideology and methods. He believed that Gandhi's approach of non-violence and willingness to compromise with Pakistan during the partition of India weakened India's position and undermined Hindu interests.
Nathuram Godse, along with several co-conspirators, meticulously planned and carried out the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The plan involved several steps:
1. Conspiracy: Godse was a member of a right-wing Hindu nationalist group called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which had ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi, particularly regarding the partition of India and the treatment of Hindus in newly formed Pakistan. Godse, along with other like-minded individuals, conspired to eliminate Gandhi.
2. Weapon: Godse decided to use a Beretta M1934 semi-automatic pistol as the weapon to carry out the assassination.
3. Date and Location: The conspirators chose January 30, 1948, as the date for the assassination. The location was Birla House in New Delhi, where Gandhi was staying at the time.
4. Practice: Godse practiced shooting to ensure accuracy in the assassination attempt. He practiced at the house of his accomplice Gopal Godse.
5. Final Preparations: On the day of the assassination, Godse arrived at Birla House dressed as a respectful visitor, carrying the concealed pistol with him.
6. Assassination: At a prayer meeting at Birla House, when Gandhi began his daily prayer ritual, Godse approached him and shot him three times in the chest. Gandhi fell to the ground, uttering the famous words "Hey Ram" (Oh God).
7. Capture: Following the assassination, Godse and his co-conspirator Narayan Apte attempted to escape but were captured by the authorities.
The assassination of Gandhi shocked the world and had significant repercussions in India and beyond, contributing to the ongoing debate over violence and extremism in pursuit of political goals.
After the assassination, Godse was arrested, tried, and found guilty. He was sentenced to death and executed on 15 November 1949. His actions remain a contentious and polarizing topic in India's history, with some viewing him as a nationalist hero and others as a symbol of extremist violence.
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