Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary to be observed as Martyrdom Day

January 30, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, will be marked as 'Martyrdom Day' this year, a group of NGOs and Gandhian citizens has claimed. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the Marathi Patrakar Sangh, the Gandhian activists said they would reach out to people and ask them to pledge non-violence.

"We have reached out to people to observe silence and pledge non-violence and peace," said GG Parikh, a 95-year-old Gandhian from Yusuf Mehrali Foundation.

"There is an atmosphere that's being created, for which we feel it's important that such a remembrance starts," said Feroze Mithiborewala, another speaker at the event on Wednesday.

Those present at the event also said that people would be gathering outside temples, mosques and churches besides going to schools and colleges on the day. A rally would also be organised, where they would sing prayers popularised by Mahatma Gandhi. "Political parties would also be participating actively," said Mithiborewala.

When asked if all parties would be invited, Parikh said, "We have invited all political parties. There are some whom we know are against the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, so we didn't reach out to them. But there are others who identify with the teachings of the Mahatma, and we feel they would want to do something that day."