NEW DELHI: India paused on Friday to honor the enduring legacies of two of its greatest sons, Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, on their birth anniversaries. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other leaders led the nation in paying emotional and respectful tributes to the Father of the Nation and the architect of the "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" mantra.
Leaders gathered at Rajghat and Vijay Ghat in New Delhi to offer floral tributes and participate in traditional prayer services, highlighting the profound relevance of truth, non-violence, simplicity, and public service in today’s complex geopolitical climate.
President Murmu Emphasizes Global Relevance of Peace
In her message shared on social media, President Droupadi Murmu noted that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals are universally revered. Amid ongoing conflicts and global instability, she emphasized that Bapu’s timeless message of peace and non-violence is more critical than ever.
Highlighting India's march toward the vision of a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat), the President stated that the journey is rooted in empathy, inclusion, and the Gandhian principle of Sarvodaya—the welfare and upliftment of all.
PM Modi Underscores Bapu and Shastri's Values
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by sharing verses from the Bhagavad Gita, describing Bapu’s entire life as a beacon of light guiding humanity across eras. Urging citizens to embrace Swadeshi and Khadi products, the Prime Minister noted that despite remaining distant from political office, Gandhi continues to reign over the hearts of hundreds of millions worldwide.
The Prime Minister also paid glowing tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, recalling his unyielding integrity, supreme simplicity, and inspirational leadership. He lauded Shastri’s unforgettable call of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," which galvanized India's soldiers and farmers during challenging times.
Nationwide Commemorations and Events
Across the country, leaders, citizens, and students marked October 2 with various civic initiatives:
Political Leaders: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid their respects at memorials in the national capital.
Swachhata Initiatives: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda participated in Shramdaan in New Delhi, while Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini led cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Artistic Tributes: In Puri, Odisha, students at Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik’s institute created a special sand animation dedicated to Gandhi Jayanti, while state leaders like Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma offered floral honors at local secretariat offices.
As October 2 is globally marked by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence, the day served as a collective reminder for citizens to renew their commitment to social harmony, ethical conduct, and the ideals of nation-building.
