Leaders pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the most iconic figure of India's freedom movement, on his birth anniversary. In a post on X, Modi said the revered Bapu's life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality would always be an inspiration for the country's people.

Gandhi, hailed as the father of the nation, steadfastly followed the principles of truth and non-violence, inspiring generations of politicians and activists around the world. Modi also paid homage to India's second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was also born on this day.

He dedicated his life to the country's soldiers, farmers and pride, Modi said of Shastri, who raised the slogan of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" and whose simplicity and honesty earned him wide respect. The prime minister joined President Droupadi Murmu and several other dignitaries in visiting the memorials of Gandhi and Shastri in the national capital this morning to pay homage to them.

Later, Modi attended a cleanliness drive along with some school students to mark the 10th anniversary of Swachhata Bharat campaign, which was launched in 2014 on the birth anniversary of Gandhi, who put a great emphasis on cleanliness all his life. The prime minister urged everyone to be part of such a drive in their surroundings, saying such an initiative will strengthen the resolve for a clean India.

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 155th birth anniversary, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of building a just and inclusive society, a reflection of Gandhi’s vision for India. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee reiterated how the teachings of the Father of the Nation continue to inspire people today.

"On Gandhi Jayanti, I pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. His teachings of non-violence, truth, and unity continue to inspire us every day. Let us pledge to build a just and inclusive society, reflecting his vision for India," she posted. She further called for the nation to embrace Gandhi’s principles of Ahimsa and tolerance, saying, "May we continue to follow the path of Ahimsa and tolerance for all. Jai Hind!"

Leaders from Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) also paid tribute to Gandhi on this significant day. Speaking on the occasion, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala stressed the relevance of Gandhi's message in today's political climate. "Those who engage in the politics of religion should revisit Gandhiji's thoughts on social harmony and brotherhood," Chennithala said, urging for a return to Gandhi's ideals of unity.

A number of Congress leaders, including Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and Maharashtra state party chief Nana Patole, visited Mani Bhavan in Mumbai, which served as Gandhi’s headquarters from 1917 to 1934. Chennithala emphasized that Gandhi's philosophy remains central to the Congress party's values.

"Everyone respects Gandhiji, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi should reflect on whether his government truly follows Gandhiji's ideals," Chennithala remarked, pointing to the disconnect between Gandhi’s principles and current political practices.

Leaders from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), led by Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule and Maharashtra party president Jayant Patil, honored Gandhi with a march. They walked from the Gandhi statue near Mantralaya to the statue of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, before continuing to Hutatma Chowk in South Mumbai.

In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma paid floral tributes to both Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their shared birth anniversary. At a ceremony held at the secretariat, Sharma was joined by his ministerial colleagues, including Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Prem Bairwa and Education Minister Madan Dilawar. In a message on X, Sharma expressed his admiration for the two leaders, praising their global influence and moral integrity.

"On the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, who taught the world the value of non-violence, and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, an embodiment of simplicity and morality, I paid my humble tributes to them today," Sharma wrote.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Governor S Abdul Nazeer on Wednesday paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary. The Governor said Gandhi Jayanthi is celebrated all over the world as the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ and highlighted that Gandhi made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

“His path of peaceful resistance and mass civil disobedience was emulated across the world and has been an inspiration to world leaders. Mahatma Gandhi lived a life of simple living and considered the path of ‘Truth’ and ‘Non-violence’ as the way of life that inspired generations of people,” he said in a press release from the Raj Bhavan.

In his message, Naidu said it is important to follow the principles of Gandhi, who campaigned through non-violence to break the shackles of British rulers for freeing the country. “It is our duty to follow the way shown by the Father of the Nation to take the country forward,” he said in a post on X.

Across India, Gandhi’s legacy remains a guiding light, as leaders from different political spheres come together to honor his vision of peace, truth, and social justice.