Nation pays tributes to Mahatma on 60th death anniversary

New Delhi, Jan 30: India commemorated the 60th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination today with his great-granddaughter scattering some of his ashes off the coast of this bustling metropolis. President Pratibha Patil led the nation in paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on the 60th anniversary of his martyrdom by offering floral tributes at his 'samadhi' at Rajghat here today.

Besides Ms Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his Cabinet colleagues and Leader of the Opposition L K Advani also offered flowers at the 'samadhi' of the Father of the Nation. The three Chiefs of the Armed Forces also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi today, being observed as 'Martyr's Day'. Later, a two-minute silence was observed in his memory. 'Bhajans', including his favourite devotional song 'Vaishnav Jan To', were also sung on the occasion. Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti jointly organised a special all-religion commemorative prayer in memory of the Father of the Nation on the occasion. Renowned musicians Dr L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti rendered devotional songs.

UNI