The Second Crucifixion

 

                The Second Crucifixion: The Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction

On January 30, 1948, at twenty minutes past five in the afternoon, India lost its most revered leader when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated at Birla House in New Delhi. This tragic event, described as "The Second Crucifixion," marked not just the end of a remarkable life, but a moment that would profoundly shape the newly independent nation's destiny.

The Authors Behind the Story

This compelling account comes from Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, two distinguished journalists and authors who specialized in bringing historical moments to life through careful research and vivid storytelling. They conducted extensive interviews with key figures and eyewitnesses to reconstruct the dramatic final hours of Gandhi's life. Their work combines journalistic accuracy with literary skill, capturing both the political significance and deeply human elements of this watershed moment in Indian history.

The Shocking Truth About the Assassin

The initial assumption that gripped the nation was natural given the communal tensions of the time—many believed it was a Muslim who had committed this act. Lord Mountbatten, described as a "dejected Sparrow," feared the worst consequences. He thought, "If it really was a Muslim, India is going to have one of the most ghastly massacres the world has ever seen." However, when the radio announcement came at 6:00 PM, it delivered a shocking revelation: "Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi at twenty minutes past five this afternoon. His assassin was a Hindu"—Nathuram Godse.

The Simple Possessions at Birla House

The scene beside Gandhi's lifeless body was both humble and moving, reflecting the simplicity that had defined his life. Around him were the modest possessions that told the story of his existence:

• Wooden shower clogs  
• Sandals 
• His three monkey figurines (representing "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil") 
• The Bhagavad Gita  
• An Ingersoll watch  
• A spittoon 
•  A tin bowl (souvenir from Yeravda Prison)

Immediate Reactions of Key Leaders

The immediate aftermath revealed the profound impact Gandhi had on those closest to him. Nehru's face was ashen with grief, while Patel stood silent like a stone Buddha. Women chanted verses from the Gita around Gandhi's body, and Manu, his devoted companion, wept soundlessly while holding Bapu's head in her lap. Mountbatten captured the historical significance of the moment, declaring that "Mahatma Gandhi will go down in history on a par with Buddha and Jesus Christ."

Gandhi's Final Wish for Unity

Even in death, Gandhi's concern for India's unity remained paramount. Mountbatten conveyed to both Nehru and Patel Gandhi's dying wish—that his two greatest friends, who were drifting apart, should reconcile their differences. "You both know how much I loved Gandhiji," Mountbatten told them. "That was his dying wish. If his memory means as much to you as your grief implies it does, you'll embrace and forget your differences."

Funeral Arrangements and Hindu Tradition

The question of how to honor Gandhi's memory sparked discussions between military protocol and Hindu tradition. While Mountbatten proposed embalming Gandhi's body and organizing a special funeral train across India, Gandhi's own wishes prevailed. True to Hindu custom, his body was to be cremated within 24 hours. His body was placed on an open balcony at Birla House, surrounded by five oil lamps representing the earth's elements.

Nehru's Historic Radio Address

Nehru's address to the nation over All India Radio captured the collective sense of loss with words that would echo through history: "Our beloved leader, Bapu, as we called him, the Father of the Nation, is no more. The Light has gone out. For the light that shone in this country was no ordinary light." These words perfectly captured the void left by Gandhi's departure.

National Mourning Across India

The response across India was unprecedented in its scope and depth. A nationwide day of mourning was declared, and the entire subcontinent seemed to pause in grief. Hearths remained cold across the vast rural plains, Bombay became a ghost city, and Calcutta's great Maidan stood nearly empty. The mourning extended beyond India's borders—in Pakistan, millions of women shattered their baubles in the traditional expression of grief.

International Tributes and Condolences

The international response reflected Gandhi's worldwide stature as a moral leader. King George VI expressed shock from London, while Prime Minister Clement Attlee provided an official government response. Even Winston Churchill, Gandhi's former opponent, paid his respects. George Bernard Shaw offered perhaps the most pointed observation: "His murder shows how dangerous it is to be good."

Global Leaders Pay Respect

Tributes poured in from across the globe. French Premier Georges Bidault declared that "All those who believe in the brotherhood of men will mourn Gandhi's death." South African Field Marshal Jan Smuts called him "A Prince among us has passed." Pope Pius XII honored him as "An apostle of Peace and a Friend of Christianity." President Harry Truman stated that "The entire world mourns with India." Even Mohammed Ali Jinnah acknowledged that "He was one of the greatest men produced by the Hindu Community."

The Meaning of "The Second Crucifixion"

The title "Second Crucifixion" draws a profound parallel between Gandhi's assassination and Christ's crucifixion. Both spiritual leaders were killed by their own people while preaching love, non-violence, and universal brotherhood. Both deaths served as catalysts for profound social and spiritual movements that would outlast their physical presence. Gandhi's martyrdom, like Christ's crucifixion, united a divided people in grief and remembrance.

Conclusion

The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi represented more than the loss of a political leader—it was the martyrdom of a man who had dedicated his life to truth, non-violence, and unity. His death served to unite a nation in mourning and reminded the world of the dangerous path that hatred and extremism can lead to. The "Second Crucifixion" became a moment of reflection for humanity. Gandhi's legacy, forged in life and sealed in death, continues to inspire movements for justice and peace around the world, proving that while the light may have gone out, its illumination remains eternal.