Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at Rajghat and highlighted Gandhi’s enduring message of truth, non-violence, service and Swadeshi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, marking the 157th birth anniversary of the freedom movement leader.
Modi also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat. The Prime Minister’s Office said the lives of both leaders, marked by simplicity, courage and service to the nation, continue to inspire generations.
Modi Highlights Gandhi’s Enduring Message
In a message marking Gandhi Jayanti, Modi said Gandhi’s thoughts have inspired people around the world and remain relevant when connected with humanity.
The Prime Minister highlighted values associated with Gandhi, including truth, non-violence, compassion and service. He said Gandhi’s timeless message could continue to guide society toward a better future and what he described as a “Viksit Bharat”, or developed India.
The Prime Minister also shared a video message on social media reflecting on the significance of October 2 and Gandhi’s legacy.
Call to Promote Swadeshi and Khadi
Alongside his tribute, Modi urged citizens to promote Swadeshi products and make locally produced goods part of their everyday choices.
He specifically appealed to people to purchase at least one Khadi product on Gandhi Jayanti and take pride in identifying it with the Swadeshi movement. The emphasis connects Gandhi’s historic advocacy of locally produced goods with the government’s broader focus on domestic production and self-reliance.
Khadi has long been associated with Gandhi’s economic and social philosophy and became an important symbol during India’s freedom movement.
Leaders Pay Tribute Across the Country
Gandhi Jayanti was observed across India on October 2, with political leaders and public officials paying tribute to the Mahatma.
President Droupadi Murmu and other national leaders also participated in commemorative events. At Rajghat, leaders remembered Gandhi’s association with truth, non-violence and public service.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute at Rajghat, as political leaders across the country marked the occasion.
Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence
October 2 carries significance beyond India. The United Nations observes the date as the International Day of Non-Violence, recognizing Gandhi’s association with non-violent resistance.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2007 establishing the International Day of Non-Violence and encouraging a culture of peace and tolerance.
The observance has therefore developed into both a national commemoration of Gandhi’s birth anniversary and an international occasion focused on the principle of non-violence.
Tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri
Modi’s visit to Rajghat was followed by a tribute at Vijay Ghat to Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose birth anniversary also falls on October 2.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders’ commitment to national service and their personal simplicity continue to serve as an inspiration. Modi said their ideals and commitment to India’s progress would remain a guiding light.
Shastri served as India’s second prime minister from 1964 until his death in 1966 and is remembered particularly for the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
Gandhi’s Legacy in Contemporary India
Gandhi’s legacy continues to feature prominently in public discussions around non-violence, social harmony, self-reliance and civic responsibility.
For the government, Gandhi Jayanti also provides an opportunity to promote initiatives connected with Swadeshi, Khadi and domestic production. Modi’s latest message placed particular emphasis on these themes while recalling Gandhi’s broader values.
The Prime Minister’s tribute comes as India continues to frame self-reliance and domestic manufacturing as important components of its economic development strategy.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary by paying floral tribute at Rajghat and highlighting the continued relevance of Gandhi’s ideals.
Alongside remembering Gandhi’s message of truth, non-violence, compassion and service, Modi urged citizens to support Swadeshi products and purchase Khadi. The day was also observed internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence, keeping Gandhi’s philosophy at the centre of a global commemoration.