Nathuram Godse was the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, one of India's most revered leaders. Born on May 19, 1910, in Pune, Maharashtra, Godse was deeply influenced by Hindu nationalist ideology and was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later the Hindu Mahasabha.

He believed that Gandhi's approach, especially his conciliatory attitude towards Muslims and Pakistan, was damaging to India's unity and interests.

Godse had a history of opposing Gandhi's methods, even attempting to attack him with a knife in 1944, but was stopped by the crowd. On January 30, 1948, at a prayer meeting in New Delhi, Godse shot Gandhi three times at close range, killing him instantly.

He was immediately apprehended by those present and arrested by the police.

During his trial, Godse defended his actions as being for the good of India, claiming Gandhi was compromising Hindu interests. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, and was executed on November 15, 1949.

Despite his justifications, Godse is widely condemned for killing a leader who championed peace, non-violence, and India's independence.