Martyrs’ Day: The definitive guide to Mahatma Gandhi 

On Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary that falls on January 30, learn about the Father of the Nation through movies, books, podcasts, and more

Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, January 30, is observed as Martyrs’ Day every year. Revered across the globe, Gandhi has remained a figure of great importance. In addition to being a subject of discussion in formal circles, he’s been represented extensively in pop culture via art, movies, books, and much more. We’ve rounded up a list of movies, books, podcasts, and more for you to learn about the great leader.

Movies

Classic tale

Several filmmakers have portrayed Mahatma Gandhi on screen, but Gandhi by Sir Richard Attenborough remains the most emphatic one. Ben Kingsley’s performance moved many as he depicted the struggles faced and overcome by Gandhi. Commencing from his days in South Africa right until his death, this celebrated movie makes for an effortless watch. Gandhi won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actor in 1983.

Origin story

Recipient of National Awards, The Making of the Mahatma by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal is a sensitive depiction of Mahatma Gandhi’s life in South Africa before he joined the Indian independence movement. Based upon the book The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma by Fatima Meer, the movie delves into the struggles that shaped Gandhi’s character. Viewers get a closer look at his early years, similar to a contemporary character origin story.

Books

In his own words

Who better to learn from than the Mahatma himself? Gandhi's autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth recounts his life from early childhood to 1921. Originally published weekly in his journal Navjivan, the autobiography is considered to be one of the greatest spiritual books. Popular opinion about Gandhi might sway and there might be diverse interpretations of his philosophies, but his perspective will always be important.

The end times

The Death and Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi by Makarand R Paranjape is a non-fictional book that is based on the analysis of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and everything that followed. As the title suggests, the book sheds light on the last six months of his life, offering a microscopic view to the readers. A gripping narrative that moves beyond the circumstance and explores greater ramifications of the assassination is what makes the book compelling.

Unearthing Gandhi

Speaking of Gandhi is an audio podcast presented by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Foundation, Inc. The Washington-based podcast is hosted by Srimati Karuna, the Director of the foundation who aims to highlight the messages of Gandhi by reflecting upon his writings, speeches, and actions. From his relationship with his wife to his fondness of spinning, listeners will unearth different anecdotes from his life. The podcast provides context and helps us better our understanding.

Take a virtual tour of Sabarmati Ashram

Mahatma Gandhi lived in the Sabarmati Ashram from 1917 to 1930. The ashram also served as one of the major centres of India's Independence movement. A museum today, the Sabarmati Ashram, is offering virtual tours on its website. The virtual tour is offered with ample audio description as well as information in English. Users can navigate from one room to the next when undertaking this immersive tour.

Log onto https://gandhiashramsabarmati.org/en/visitor-information/ashram-virtual-tour.html

South African legacy

Satyagraha House, in Johannesburg, was home to Mahatma Gandhi. The house offers an up-close look at his life and work in South Africa. The museum cum hotel is a landmark representing Gandhi’s legacy in South Africa. The website offers multiple resources, including an engaging documentary.

Log onto https://www.satyagrahahouse.com/

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