On October 2nd, 2025, India commemorated Gandhi Jayanti, the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and also the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The day saw the nation's leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, paying homage to these iconic figures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi. He honored Gandhi's "extraordinary life," stating that his ideals have transformed human history. Modi emphasized Gandhi's courage, simplicity, service, and compassion as instruments of great change and empowerment. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to following Gandhi's path in the quest to build a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047. He highlighted the importance of selfless service from every citizen to elevate India from a developing to a developed nation. Modi also paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri, describing him as an "extraordinary statesman" whose integrity, humility, and determination strengthened India.
President Droupadi Murmu, in her message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, called upon the nation to dedicate itself to the ideals and values of Mahatma Gandhi. She emphasized Gandhi's message of peace, tolerance, and truth, which continues to inspire humanity. The President highlighted Gandhi's lifelong struggle against untouchability, illiteracy, addiction, and other social evils, which remains a guiding light. She also emphasized Gandhi's emphasis on morality, ethics, and self-reliance. Murmu urged citizens to follow the path of truth and non-violence and remain committed to the nation's welfare and progress. She also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. Radhakrishnan recalled Gandhi's timeless ideals of truth, non-violence, and simplicity. He highlighted Gandhi's enduring influence on India's moral, social, and political journey towards peace and development. C.P. Radhakrishnan is the 15th Vice President of India, having been elected in September 2025.
Gandhi Jayanti is observed as one of the three national holidays in India. The day is commemorated with prayer services, commemorative events, and cleanliness drives across the country. Schools and educational institutions organize cultural programs, debates, film screenings, and fancy dress competitions to keep Gandhi's legacy alive. The celebrations also include paying tributes at significant places like Raj Ghat, where Gandhi was cremated.
Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance has had a global impact, inspiring movements for social change worldwide. The United Nations has declared October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence, honoring Gandhi's commitment to peaceful protest. Gandhi Jayanti serves as a powerful occasion to reflect on his dedication to peace, non-violence, and truth, which continues to guide humanity's quest for justice and harmony.
Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, was born on October 2, 1904. He is remembered for his leadership and the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan', which honored the contributions of soldiers and farmers.
