Nathuram Godse, one of the most controversial figures in Indian history, is primarily known as the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. His act on January 30, 1948, shocked not only India but also the world, leading to debates that remain relevant even today. Understanding Godse’s motivations requires a deep dive into his life, his ideological beliefs, and the speech he delivered during his trial, which offered a detailed justification of his actions.
Early Life of Nathuram Godse
Nathuram Vinayak Godse was born on May 19, 1910, in Pune, Maharashtra, into a Brahmin family. His father, Vinayakrao Godse, was a postal worker, and his mother, Lakshmi Godse, was a homemaker. Nathuram’s family struggled financially, and his upbringing was marked by modest means. Originally named Ramachandra at birth, he was later called Nathuram due to a peculiar custom; his parents believed he would bring misfortune to male siblings and thus raised him with certain feminine traits during his early childhood. However, these practices were eventually abandoned, and he grew up as a devout Hindu.
From a young age, Godse displayed a keen interest in religion and politics. He was heavily influenced by the socio-political conditions of pre-independence India, particularly the growing resentment against British colonial rule. As a teenager, he became involved with Hindu nationalist organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later the Hindu Mahasabha. These affiliations played a significant role in shaping his worldview and ideological beliefs.
The Development of Godse’s Ideology
Nathuram Godse’s ideology revolved around the concept of Hindutva, a belief system advocating for India to be established as a Hindu nation. He admired figures like Veer Savarkar, who championed Hindu nationalism, and believed that the Hindu community needed to assert itself more strongly to preserve its cultural and religious identity. Godse saw the Indian National Congress—and particularly Gandhi—as being overly accommodating to Muslims, often at the expense of Hindu interests.
Initially, Godse admired Gandhi for his role in India’s freedom struggle. However, this admiration turned into disillusionment over time. He felt that Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and his efforts to foster Hindu-Muslim unity were misguided. Godse viewed Gandhi’s actions, especially during the Partition of India in 1947, as harmful to the Hindu community. The allocation of ₹55 crore to Pakistan, Gandhi’s fasts to stop communal riots, and his perceived favoritism towards Muslims were seen by Godse as acts of betrayal against Hindus.
The Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
The culmination of Godse’s resentment came on January 30, 1948, at Birla House in Delhi. As Gandhi was walking toward his daily evening prayer meeting, Godse approached him under the guise of seeking a blessing. He bowed to Gandhi and then shot him three times at close range with a pistol. Gandhi collapsed instantly, reportedly uttering his last words, “Hey Ram.”
Godse did not attempt to flee and was immediately apprehended. He later stated that his actions were premeditated and carried out with full awareness of the consequences. The assassination sent shockwaves through India and the world, marking a dark chapter in India’s history.
The Trial and Godse’s Final Speech
Nathuram Godse’s trial began soon after his arrest. During the proceedings, he took full responsibility for his actions and delivered a lengthy speech that outlined his motivations. His speech is considered one of the most controversial aspects of his legacy, as it offers a window into his mindset and ideological convictions. Below are some of the key themes and excerpts from his speech:
1. Criticism of Gandhi’s Policies
Godse accused Gandhi of consistently prioritizing Muslim interests over Hindu concerns. He believed that Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was impractical and weakened India’s ability to stand against aggression.
2. Partition of India
Godse held Gandhi directly responsible for the Partition, which resulted in massive violence, loss of life, and displacement. He argued that Gandhi’s insistence on appeasing the Muslim League led to the division of the country and the suffering of millions.
3. Defense of His Actions
Godse claimed that he acted out of a sense of duty to protect India’s future. He stated that Gandhi’s policies endangered the sovereignty and unity of the nation. According to Godse, eliminating Gandhi was a necessary step to prevent further harm.
4. Hindu Nationalism
A recurring theme in Godse’s speech was his belief in the supremacy of Hindu culture and the need to establish India as a Hindu nation. He argued that only a Hindu-centric governance model could ensure India’s unity and progress.
Notable Excerpt:
“I do say that my shots were fired at the person whose policy and action had brought rack and ruin and destruction to millions of Hindus. There was no legal machinery by which such an offender could be brought to book, and that being so, I fired those fatal shots.”
Execution and Legacy
On November 8, 1949, Nathuram Godse was sentenced to death, along with his co-conspirator Narayan Apte. Despite appeals for clemency from various quarters, including Gandhi’s own family members, the government upheld the death sentence. Godse was executed on November 15, 1949, at Ambala Central Jail.
Godse’s actions and ideologies have left a lasting impact on Indian society. While he is widely condemned for assassinating Gandhi, a small section of supporters view him as a nationalist who acted out of a sense of duty. His final speech continues to be cited in discussions on Hindu nationalism and the socio-political challenges of post-independence India.
Controversy Surrounding Godse’s Ideology
The legacy of Nathuram Godse remains a polarizing topic in India. On one hand, he is remembered as a murderer who killed a global icon of peace and non-violence. On the other hand, some groups regard him as a misunderstood patriot whose actions were driven by his commitment to Hindu nationalism.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Godse’s life and ideology. Books, films, and debates continue to explore the factors that led to Gandhi’s assassination and the broader implications for Indian society. This renewed focus has sparked both admiration and condemnation, highlighting the enduring complexity of Godse’s legacy.
Lessons from History
Nathuram Godse’s life and actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and intolerance. His story underscores the need for dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding in addressing ideological divides. The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was not just a personal tragedy but also a national loss, depriving India of a leader who symbolized unity and non-violence.
While it is essential to examine historical figures like Godse to understand their motivations, it is equally important to reject violence as a means of resolving differences. The ideals of peace, tolerance, and inclusivity championed by Gandhi remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.
Life, Ideology, and His Final Speech
Nathuram Godse’s assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was a turning point in Indian history, reflecting the deep ideological and communal tensions of the time. His life and final speech continue to provoke debate, offering insights into the complexities of India’s struggle for identity and unity. While history has judged Godse harshly for his actions, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of radicalism and the importance of preserving the values of democracy and pluralism.
