Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation,’ and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries, reaffirming India’s commitment to their ideals of self-reliance and national development.
Modi visited Raj Ghat to offer floral tributes to Gandhi, commemorating Gandhi Jayanti, which celebrates his lifelong dedication to truth, non-violence, and social justice. The day also doubles as the International Day of Non-Violence, spreading Gandhi’s message of peace and ethical living globally.
On social media, the Prime Minister highlighted Gandhi’s transformative impact, writing, “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.” Modi added that the nation would continue following Gandhi’s path in its pursuit of a developed (“Viksit”) India.
Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri, born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Modi described him as an “extraordinary statesman.” Shastri became India’s second Prime Minister in 1964 after Jawaharlal Nehru’s demise and is celebrated for his enduring slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,’ which honored the contributions of soldiers and farmers alike.
Paying tribute to Shastri on X, Modi wrote, “Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji was an extraordinary statesman whose integrity, humility, and determination strengthened India, including during challenging times. He personified exemplary leadership, strength, and decisive action. His clarion call of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ ignited a spirit of patriotism among our people. He continues to motivate us in the endeavour of building a strong and self-reliant India.”
Shastri’s legacy, defined by humility, honesty, and a close connection with ordinary citizens, continues to inspire political and social leadership in India. Modi’s tributes underscored the enduring relevance of both leaders’ principles in shaping India’s present and future trajectory.
Elsewhere in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gandhi Jayanti was marked with solemnity and community participation. The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, led the commemorations at Gandhi Park on October 2. As the chief guest at the main function, he paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Senior officials including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Zilla Parishad Adhyaksh (South Andaman) Prakash Adhikari, other councillors, and officers of the administration also offered their respects.
The event included the presentation of devotional Ramdhuns by students and teachers of the Education Department, followed by the observance of two minutes’ silence to honor Gandhi’s memory. The function concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, underscoring the solemnity of the day and its message of unity.
