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How did Jawaharlal Nehru describe Mahatma Gandhi after Gandhi’s assassination?

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Jawaharlal Nehru, c. 1930s — Jawaharlal Nehru As India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru was in office for more than 16 years, making him the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered a poignant radio address to the nation. He famously began his eulogy by stating, "The light has gone out of our lives, and there is darkness everywhere."12

Nehru expressed the profound loss felt by the country, referring to Gandhi as "our beloved leader, Bapu as we called him, the Father of the Nation." He lamented that the people would no longer be able to seek Gandhi’s advice or solace, describing his death as a "terrible blow."1

However, Nehru also offered a message of enduring hope, noting that while he initially felt the light had vanished, he realized he was wrong. He proclaimed that the light which had illuminated India for so many years would continue to shine for generations, providing solace to "innumerable hearts" both within the country and across the world.1