ABSTRACT
Despite the cataclysmic dimensions of this event, there are not many eye-witness accounts of it. One of the best of these comes from Vincent Sheean, an American reporter and author, who, it seems, 'innocently went to India in 1947 to find out 'something about life's meaning, purpose and significance'; 'he was fortunate enough to interview Gandhi on 27 January 1948; three days later he was also present when Nathuram assassinated Gandhi. Before proceeding towards the prayer meeting, Gandhi had been absorbed in a serious conversation with Sardar Patel, the Home Minister of newly independent India. In fact, he was late because no one wished to disturb this conference to remind him of the time. While talking to Patel, Gandhi also had his 'last supper' of one-and-a-half cups of goat's milk, the same quantity of vegetable soup, and three oranges. The moment Patel's daughter, Manibahen, informed him that he was already late for the prayer meeting, Gandhi got up.
