Gandhi Jayanti, Shastri Jayanti: India Pays Tribute to Two Nation Builders

Bhubaneswar, October 2: India on Friday observed Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversaries of two of the country’s most influential leaders.

Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as the Father of the Nation, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. The day is observed as Gandhi Jayanti and also marks the International Day of Non-Violence, recognised by the United Nations in honour of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and peaceful resistance.

Across the country, people paid tribute to Gandhi at memorials, public institutions and educational establishments. His principles of truth, non-violence, simplicity and social harmony were remembered through prayer meetings, cleanliness drives and other programmes.

October 2 also marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was born in 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh. Remembered for his simplicity, integrity and commitment to public service, Shastri served as India’s second Prime Minister from 1964 until his death in 1966.

Shastri is particularly remembered for giving the nation the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, highlighting the contribution of soldiers and farmers to the country.

Tributes were also paid to both leaders at their respective memorials in New Delhi. Gandhi is remembered at Raj Ghat, while Shastri’s memorial, Vijay Ghat, witnessed commemorative events.

The twin observance of October 2 serves as an occasion to reflect on Gandhi’s message of non-violence and Shastri’s ideals of simplicity, duty and service to the nation.