Discovery Channel will be paying homage to the man fondly known as the father of the nation- Mahatma Gandhi.

On his 56th death anniversary, the channel will premiere The Assassination of Gandhi. The international series scheduled to air on Great Crimes & Trials, on 30 January 2004 at 11 pm.

The programme chronicles the life of Mahatma Gandhi, from his early years in South Africa- as the first Asian lawyer- to leading the freedom movement in India, to his tragic death on 30 January 1948, says a company release.

Using rare archival footage, the programme presents a sensitive portrayal of Gandhiji as a family man, philosopher and leader, who guided India to independence. The programme also showcases the Satyagraha, a nonviolent struggle, he led against the British rule.

A devout man with great determination, Gandhiji has been the leader of India's nationalist movement. Showcasing his struggle from the Non-cooperation Movement (1920-21) to the famous Dandi March (1930) and finally the Quit India Movement (1942), the programme talks about the various movements he started against the oppressive British Raj.

While he was revered by millions, there were some who did not believe in Gandhiji's ideology, leading to six unsuccessful attempts to assassinate him. Unfortunately, on the morning of 30 January 1948 as n he was going for his morning prayers, a fanatic fired three gunshots at him that proved to be fatal.

Says Discovery Communications India, Director - Programming, Pankaj Saxena, "Mahatma Gandhi is venerated for his leadership and his philosophy. Discovery Channel's programme The Assassination of Gandhi pays tribute to the man who led our nation to freedom."