Activists & Reformers · Early 20th Century
Mahatma Gandhi’s Last Words
“Hey Ram! (Oh God!)”— Mahatma Gandhi, January 30, 1948
Who Was Mahatma Gandhi?
Mahatma Gandhi was the primary leader of India's independence movement, pioneering nonviolent civil disobedience.
The Final Moments
Gandhi was shot three times by Nathuram Godse at Birla House in New Delhi as he walked to his prayer meeting.
Are These Words Verified?
Gandhi's last words 'Hey Ram' (Oh God/Rama) on January 30, 1948, are exceptionally well-documented by multiple eyewitnesses present at Birla House including his grandnieces who supported him as he fell. This is one of the most reliably sourced famous last words in modern history.
Sources
- firsthand Eyewitness account by Abha Gandhi and Manubehn Gandhi
- newspaper Contemporary Indian newspaper reports
- archive Government of India official records
Legacy
Gandhi is the father of Indian independence; his philosophy of nonviolence inspired MLK and Nelson Mandela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Mahatma Gandhi’s last words?
“Hey Ram! (Oh God!)”
How did Mahatma Gandhi die?
Mahatma Gandhi died on January 30, 1948 at the age of 78. Cause of death: Gunshot.
Were Mahatma Gandhi’s last words documented?
Gandhi's last words 'Hey Ram' (Oh God/Rama) on January 30, 1948, are exceptionally well-documented by multiple eyewitnesses present at Birla House including his grandnieces who supported him as he fell. This is one of the most reliably sourced famous last words in modern history.
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