Gandhi Jayanti | October 2 | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday

1. Principles of Gandhiji
2. Gandhi and his early life
3. Gandhi and his leadership
4. Quotes for Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction

Every year, on the 2nd of October, Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated. It is celebrated to give tribute to Mahatma Gandhi for his sacrifice for the nations. It is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He was one of the national leaders and a great freedom fighter who led the Indian Independence Movement against the Britishers. Mahatma Gandhi is also known as the Father of the Nation. As an act of homage, every year, on 2nd October, people gather at Raj Ghat, New Delhi and performed prayers in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. Various civil rights activists took the inspiration from Satyagrah movement and chose non-violence. On this day, the Indian president and prime minister are present at his memorial to pay their respects. In honour of his contribution, the 2nd of October is also declared the National Holiday.

The schools across the country host different festivities on this day to familiarize the children with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology and his great contribution to establishing peace. Some schools hold a special assembly in honour of him where the students perform various activities such as stage plays, songs, and some writing and drawing competitions, which give a message of non-violence and truth. Through poetry and slogans, they also reflect the philosophy of the father of the nation.

Mahatma Gandhi is also known as the Father of the Nation. This title was given to him by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose for his efforts and sacrifices for the independence of India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi aka Mahatma Gandhi received the title of Mahatma from Rabindranath Tagore. On October 2, 2022, we will be celebrating his 153rd birth anniversary.

Principles of Gandhiji

Mahatma Gandhi has two main principles which were peace and non-violence. He was always been a follower of honesty, non-violence and truth. Ahimsa or non-violence was a strong weapon of him for fighting so the UN General Assembly declared the 2nd of October as the International day of Non-violence. Our President, Prime Minister and other honourable guests go to Raj Ghat to pay the tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his samadhi with flowers. There is a national holiday on this day, so all colleges, schools, academic institutions, offices, and other organizations stay closed on this day.

Gandhi and his early life

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, on October 2, 1869. He was born into a merchant-class family. He completed his studies in India and then went to England for higher education. He practised law after completing his education. He joined the INC (Indian National Congress) in 1920. Also, in 1917 he started working for India’s independence with the Champaran Satyagrah. He fought for the many non-violent civil rights movements and led various campaigns such as Dandi March in 1930 which is also known as Salt March. The main purpose of the Dandi March was to protest against the illegally imposed salt tax. 

Gandhi and his leadership

He started the Quit India Movement in the year 1942. He felt strongly about many unfair means such as the caste system, racism, discrimination against people by claiming them they are not touchable, Non-co-operation Movement, and Disobedience Movement. He impacted a larger amount of the public in the world in many ways. Due to these, he got many followers and other freedom fighters who helped him or served him in his prison time. He invented a new way to protest which is referred to as civil disobedience. He faced a lot of struggles for the freedom of india and helped us to receive. He also fought against social evils such as child marriage, sati-pratha, untouchability and casteism.

He lived his life with very simplicity. He wanted to give a message to his followers to keep things simple and live a simple life. He was known as the world-renowned leader while he wore the Khadi clothes which he made at his home on Charkha only. Mahatma Gandhi was very religious and respectful of all the religions of India. He also believed in everyone’s equality and everyone has a right to worship.

He devoted his entire life to spreading the awareness of harmony and brotherhood. He also worked for Hindu-Muslim unity. He was concerned about the farmers, and hence he tried very well the improvement of their economic wellbeings. He was a man of his principles and values. He always followed the right path and guided the people in the same.

Quotes for Mahatma Gandhi

A great Indian political activist, feminist and poetess, Sarojini Naidu said about him,

“Far greater than all the warriors who led the armies to battle was this little man, the bravest, the most tried friend of all.”

Vietnamese Communist revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh said about Mahatma Gandhi,

“I and others may be revolutionaries but we are disciples of Mahatma Gandhi, directly or indirectly, nothing more nothing less.”

A very famous American Novelist and Writer, Pearl S. Buck, said about him,

“Resist to the very end, he said, ‘but without violence. Of violence the world is sick. Oh, India, dare to be worthy of your Gandhi.”

Conclusion

On January 30m 1948 he was killed by Nathuram Godse while he was returning from prayer. He died at the age of 78 years. He was shot by him. This incident happened in the Birla House compound which is now known as the Gandhi Smriti. His samadhi is known as Raj Ghat. Now, he is no more with us but his light will guide us throughout our life. “Hey, Ram” was his last word. He lived a truthful life and believed in the power of virtues.