Kolkata, 30 January 2026 :(MD NAYEEM)
On the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas) of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, a solemn and dignified tribute ceremony was held on Friday at Kolkata’s historic Presidency Jail. As observed every year, the programme on January 30 brought together several eminent personalities to honour the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Farhad Hakim, Presidency Jail Superintendent Naveen Kajur, along with Sharfuddin Ali Ahmed, Abdus Salam (Raj), Firoz Khan, Abdul Qaiyum Ansari, Alisha Khan, Wahid Ali, Imtiyaz Bhartiya, Shambhu Bhai, Jitu and others, paid floral tributes and remembered Gandhi’s unparalleled contributions to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Farhad Hakim recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of non-violence, truth and national unity. He referred to January 30, 1948, when Gandhi was assassinated at Birla House in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, describing it as one of the most tragic chapters in Indian history.
Commenting on contemporary issues, Hakim expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of large sections of people under policies being implemented in the name of SIR. He alleged that citizens are being asked to produce proof of citizenship, despite border security being the responsibility of the central government. He further claimed that ordinary citizens, particularly Bengali-speaking people, are being disproportionately targeted.
Speakers at the programme unanimously stressed the importance of carrying Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and sacrifices to the younger generation. They asserted that only by following the path shown by Gandhi can a peaceful, just and harmonious society be built.
It may be noted that January 30 is observed across India as Shaheedi Diwas in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, while special prayer meetings and commemorative programmes are organised at Raj Ghat, his samadhi in New Delhi.
