New Delhi, October 2(HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary at Rajghat, describing him as a global icon whose ideals shaped the course of human history and continue to inspire India’s mission of building a developed nation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister stated:
“Gandhi Jayanti is about paying homage to the extraordinary life of beloved Bapu, whose ideals transformed the course of human history. He demonstrated how courage and simplicity could become instruments of great change. He believed in the power of service and compassion as essential means of empowering people. We will keep following his path in our quest to build a Viksit Bharat.”
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, is universally revered as the Father of the Nation. Gandhi spearheaded India’s nonviolent struggle for independence, mobilising millions through his philosophy of satyagraha (truth-force) and ahimsa (non-violence). His principles not only transformed India’s freedom movement but also influenced civil rights struggles worldwide, from Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States to Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
Prime Minister Modi’s tribute emphasized Gandhi’s enduring message of courage, simplicity, service, and compassion as guiding values for 21st-century India. He noted that these ideals remain essential in the country’s pursuit of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), aligning with India’s efforts in sustainable development, inclusivity, and global peace-building.
Citizens marked the day with cleanliness drives, harmony campaigns, and discussions on Gandhi’s philosophy, reinforcing his timeless relevance.
Internationally, leaders and organisations also paid homage to Gandhi, recalling his universal message of non-violence and truth in an era marked by conflict and division. The United Nations, which observes Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence, held special gatherings echoing his teachings.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
