Gandhi Jayanti – a national festival, is observed on October 2 every year in remembrance and honour of the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, prevalently known as Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Ji’s two main principles were peace and non-violence (Ahinsa). He had always been a follower of truth, honesty, and non-violence. As he gave the world a strong weapon of ‘non-violence’ for fighting, the UN General Assembly declared this day the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ to honour his principles. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He led India’s freedom movement along with many other national leaders against British rule in India. Gandhi developed the novel technique of non-violent agitation, which he called “Satyagraha”, loosely translated as “moral domination”, that inspired many civil rights movements worldwide.
He is known for his non-violent civil disobedience in India and South Africa. With his weapon of non-violence, he showed the world a new light toward change. He always fought for what was right, participated in many non-violent civil rights movements, and led many campaigns, including the start of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 and the Salt Satyagraha or Salt (Dandi) March starting on March 12, 1930. Through Gandhi’s efforts, India finally gained its freedom on August 15, 1947. The nation mourned for him after his assassination on January 30, 1948.
Gandhi Ji was devoutly religious and respectful towards all Indian religions. He believed in the equality of all and that everybody had a right to worship their gods.
He devoted his life relentlessly to spreading awareness about the importance of equality, peace, harmony and brotherhood. He always opposed untouchability and worked for Hindu-Muslim unity. He believed in eradicating all social evils, worked with his wife, Kasturba, to empower women, and fought for women’s rights. His principles and values still hold great value, and people consider it the right path to follow. His ideas were spread by many of his disciples, literature writers, and artists.
Each year, on this day, our honourable Prime Minister, President, and other people go to Raj Ghat to pay respect to his Samadhi on Gandhi Jayanti with flowers.
His life, messages, and wisdom not only influenced Indians but also inspired the whole world to believe in the religion of humanity. On this day, we pledge to follow the path of the legacy he left behind and lead our lives in peace and harmony.
