Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 66th death anniversary (Update:Gandhi)

The Nation on Thursday paid homage to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his 66th death anniversary.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paid floral tribute to Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Defence Minister A. K Antony, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and a host of other dignitaries also paid tribute to the apostle of peace at his memorial.

A series of functions are being organized throughout the country to mark the occasion.

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar. A lawyer by profession, Gandhi led the struggle for India's independence from British rule by following the path of non-violence.

Ironically, Gandhi was shot dead by a Hindu fanatic, Nathuram Godse, at a prayer meeting in Delhi on January 30, 1948, less than a year after India became independent.

Gandhi is venerated throughout India as the 'father of the nation'. His statues can be found across the country and nearly every town has at least one street named after him.

India observes Gandhi's death anniversary as Martyrs' Day in the memory of its freedom fighters.