On the 154th Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Modi paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi joined in this tribute. PM Modi emphasized Gandhi’s global impact, inspiring unity and compassion.

He took to social media, acknowledging Gandhi’s timeless teachings and their influence on humanity. PM Modi called on everyone to work toward fulfilling Gandhi’s dreams, enabling young individuals to be change agents promoting unity and harmony.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla also offered floral tributes at Rajghat. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Gandhi as more than an individual, representing an idea, ideology, and the moral compass of the nation. He highlighted Gandhi’s enduring ideals of truth, non-violence, freedom, equality, and coexistence.

Jharkhand governor CP Radhakrishnan, chief minister Hemant Soren, and JMM leader Mahua Manjhi paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi in Ranchi.

Gandhi Jayanti commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and the International Day of non-violence, celebrating his values of non-violence and tolerance.

Swachh Bharat Diwas, observed annually on October 2 alongside Gandhi Jayanti, witnesses politicians and citizens engaging in a nationwide cleanliness drive encompassing tasks like sweeping and garbage collection.

In anticipation of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the “Swachhata Hi Seva Abhiyan,” actively participating in the mega cleanliness drive. Modi was seen wielding a broom, cleaning alongside wrestler-turned-social-media-influencer Ankit Baiyanpuriya.

In a 4-minute video shared on X, PM Modi emphasized combining fitness and well-being with cleanliness during this initiative.

The “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” campaign brought people nationwide together for a massive cleanliness effort, responding to Prime Minister Modi’s call.

This year’s Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign carries the theme of a “Garbage-Free India.”

On Sunday, Union ministers and BJP leaders across the country took part in the “Shramdaan for Cleanliness” program as part of the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in Ahmedabad, sweeping streets with party workers and Gujarat’s chief minister, while BJP National President JP Nadda led the campaign in Delhi.

Various Union ministers, including Piyush Goyal, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Meenakshi Lekhi, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, and others, joined the cleanliness drive in different regions.

Uttar Pradesh, adopting over a lakh sites for cleanliness drives, and Maharashtra, conducting programs in more than 62,000 locations, including beaches, religious places, schools, colleges, and water bodies, were among the states actively participating.

Prominent Indian cricketers and influencers, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, encouraged people to engage in the cleanliness drive.

PM Modi, in his 105th episode of Mann ki Baat, urged the nation to honor Mahatma Gandhi by participating in a one-hour ‘Shramdaan for Swachhata’ (voluntary work for cleanliness).

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and a Charkha installation at the Civil Secretariat, commemorating the Father of the Nation’s Jayanti. He emphasized Gandhi’s belief in the Charkha’s significance, symbolizing self-reliance, the Swadeshi movement, and economic freedom.

The Lt. Governor paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting that his ideals transcend boundaries, aiming for human welfare and societal equality. He encouraged officers to uphold these principles for the betterment of all citizens in Jammu and Kashmir.

He reiterated the UT Administration’s dedication to transforming villages into centers of socio-economic growth, reducing the urban-rural divide. Jammu and Kashmir’s villages have witnessed remarkable development, narrowing the gap with cities, providing diverse income sources and employment opportunities.

Following Gandhi’s ideals, over 21,000 manufacturing and service units were established in villages in collaboration with KVIC, benefiting over 1.73 million people. The Lt. Governor commended the Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board for their efforts and urged collective support for promoting Swadeshi products.

He also emphasized the need to promote city-based Self Help Groups involved in Khadi, which has gained popularity among youth. Various officials and dignitaries paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi during the event.

Fifty years after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, the Nobel Prize panel published an article to explain why Gandhi, often referred to as the Father of the Nation, never received the Nobel Peace Prize. In hindsight, it may appear as a remarkable omission, but the Norwegian Nobel Committee had come close to granting Gandhi this prestigious honor. Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and peace were widely recognized, not just in India but worldwide. Thus, in retrospect, it seems surprising that the man synonymous with peace never attained this coveted accolade.

In an article titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi, the Missing Laureate,’ the Nobel Prize panel elucidated the factors behind their contentious decision. The article acknowledged that, in hindsight, many believed that the Indian national leader should have been an obvious choice for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Prize 12 times, including nominations in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1947, and even in 1948, just days before his tragic assassination. As the article examined the perplexing decision-making process, it questioned whether the committee’s perspective was too narrow and whether they failed to fully comprehend and appreciate the struggle for freedom among non-European people. Additionally, there was speculation about whether the committee feared damaging relations with Great Britain.

When Gandhi received his first nomination in 1937, pro-Gandhi ‘Friends of India’ groups sent him enthusiastic letters, but the committee’s adviser took a more critical stance. He described Gandhi as a “freedom fighter and a dictator, an idealist and a nationalist, sometimes a Christ, but suddenly, an ordinary politician.” He also referenced Gandhi’s critics who questioned his consistency in pacifism and cited incidents like the Chauri Chaura episode where non-violent campaigns turned violent.

Non-Indian critics regarded Gandhi as “too much of an Indian nationalist,” raising questions about whether his ideas were intended to be universal or primarily Indian in nature.

Though nominated again in 1938 and 1939, Gandhi never made it to the committee’s shortlist for a decade.

In 1947, Gandhi was once more nominated and managed to make it onto the shortlist alongside five other candidates. Historian Jens Arup Seip’s report examined Gandhi’s role in India during the preceding decade, which included major conflicts such as the struggle for independence, India’s involvement in World War II, and the tensions between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi adhered to his principles of non-violence throughout these turbulent times.

Seip’s report held neither explicit favor nor overt criticism. It cited a Times of India article that somewhat prematurely attributed the relatively limited bloodshed during the India-Pakistan partition to Gandhi’s teachings.

Two committee members supported Gandhi, but they couldn’t sway the opinions of the other three members. It was also revealed that Gandhi, during a prayer meeting, had abandoned his consistent rejection of war, suggesting that if Pakistan didn’t rectify its errors, India might resort to war.

The report remained inconclusive, but Gandhi confirmed its accuracy. He expressed that he had no place in a new order that required military forces.

Two committee members believed Gandhi was not just an apostle for peace but primarily a patriot. Ultimately, three of the five committee members opposed awarding Gandhi the Nobel Peace Prize.

Following Gandhi’s assassination, he received a posthumous nomination, but the committee faced a dilemma about where to allocate the prize money since Gandhi belonged to no organization, left no assets, and had no will. The committee, considering practical consequences, decided against posthumous awards unless the laureate passed away after the decision was made. Consequently, no Peace Prize was awarded that year, as there was “no suitable living candidate.”

In hindsight, the Nobel Committee’s perspective on Gandhi may seem limited. The 1999 article recognized that Gandhi didn’t fit the mold of earlier Laureates; he wasn’t a conventional politician, an advocate for international law, a humanitarian relief worker, or an organizer of international peace congresses. Gandhi would have represented a new category of Laureates. The article also dismissed earlier concerns that the committee feared upsetting the British.

It acknowledged that the inner workings of the committee’s discussions remain mostly unknown, but it suggested that they seriously considered a posthumous award in 1948. Ultimately, the 1948 award money was left unallocated, and what many believed should have been Mahatma Gandhi’s place among the Laureates was respectfully left vacant.

Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated annually on 2nd October, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the renowned leader and Father of the Nation. Born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, he dedicated his entire life to the cause of India’s freedom and championed the principles of non-violence.

This significant day holds the status of a National Holiday in India and is observed with great honor, respect, zeal, and enthusiasm. Mahatma Gandhi was not only a nationalist but also a political ethicist and a lawyer. His unwavering commitment to the struggle for India’s independence is praiseworthy and serves as a perpetual source of inspiration.

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, it’s worthwhile to delve into some lesser-known yet fascinating facts about Mahatma Gandhi, whose legacy continues to shape the world’s understanding of non-violence and civil resistance.

Gandhi Jayanti 2023: Ten Fascinating Facts About the Father of the Nation Every Indian Should Be Aware Of

The 2nd of October marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a date also celebrated globally as the International Day of Non-Violence in honor of his commitment to non-violence.

Despite being nominated five times, Mahatma Gandhi never received the Nobel Prize.

In his early childhood, Gandhi was an introvert and preferred to avoid social interactions.

Gandhi was recognized as the ‘Person of the Year’ by Time Magazine in 1930.

Before embracing celibacy, Mahatma Gandhi was a father to four sons.

The location where Gandhi was assassinated was the former garden of Birla House.

Gandhi vigorously advocated for the rights of untouchables and lower-caste individuals, affectionately calling them ‘Harijans,’ meaning ‘Children of God.’

The esteemed title of ‘Mahatma’ was bestowed upon Gandhi by the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore.

The grand funeral procession of Gandhi, stretching over 8 kilometers, underscored the profound love and admiration people held for him.

Gandhi entered into marriage during his teenage years with Kasturbha Gandhi, who was just 14 years old at the time.

On the solemn occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, praising the enduring influence of the great leader’s teachings. Modi highlighted how Gandhi’s profound impact serves as a global inspiration, guiding humanity towards unity and compassion.

Prime Minister Modi expressed, “On this significant occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, I offer my tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. His timeless principles continue to lead us, resonating globally and motivating people around the world to foster togetherness and empathy.”

He expressed hope that Gandhi’s ideals would persistently inspire future generations, fostering a culture of positive change agents dedicated to promoting unity and harmony.

Born in 1869, Mahatma Gandhi remains India’s foremost freedom fighter and the father of the nation, known for his pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. His principles of non-violence, truth, and civil disobedience continue to guide those seeking justice and equality worldwide.

Prime Minister Modi also fondly remembered the birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri, renowned for his simplicity and unwavering dedication to the nation, is immortalized for his iconic slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,’ symbolizing solidarity with India’s soldiers and farmers.

Modi acknowledged how Shastri’s words and commitment to India’s progress remain a source of inspiration for future generations. He added, “His unwavering commitment to India’s progress and his leadership during challenging times remain exemplary. Let us perpetually strive to achieve his dream of a resilient India.”

On this auspicious day, India honors the legacies of two iconic leaders whose ideals and actions continue to shape the nation’s path towards unity, compassion, and progress.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, is one of the most revered figures in modern history. He was a key leader in India’s struggle for independence from British rule, primarily employing non-violent civil disobedience. Gandhi’s principles, teachings, and unwavering commitment to non-violence have had a profound influence on leaders and movements across the world.

Gandhi’s birth anniversary:

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India. His birth anniversary is celebrated every year in India as ‘Gandhi Jayanti’. It’s a national holiday, and various events, including prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies, and educational activities, are organized across the country to remember and honor him. Schools and public institutions often hold sessions dedicated to teaching students about Gandhi’s life and principles.

International Day of Non-Violence:

Recognizing the global influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and his advocacy for non-violence, the United Nations General Assembly, on June 15, 2007, adopted a resolution to declare October 2nd as the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’. The primary objective behind the observance of this day is to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness’ ‘.

On this day, the UN and its member countries encourage people worldwide to observe the day by organizing events and activities that promote non-violence and raise awareness about its significance in conflict resolution and prevention. Activities include debates, discussions, workshops, seminars, public awareness campaigns, and special educational programs.

Significance:

The declaration of October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence serves as a global reminder of the need to reject violence in all its forms. Given the many conflicts and wars that have marred human history and those that continue to occur around the world, Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence remains as relevant today as it ever was.

His teachings, emphasizing the power of non-violence, truth, and harmony, continue to inspire individuals and movements across the world. Celebrating this day allows the global community to reflect on the importance of non-violence, strive towards achieving peace, and work towards creating a world free from conflict and suffering.

He conceived of philosophy as total perspective or seeing things sub specie totius (i.e. “from the perspective of the whole”)—a phrase inspired by Spinoza’s sub specie aeternitatis, roughly meaning “from the perspective of the eternal”.He sought to unify and humanize the great body of historical knowledge, which had grown voluminous and become fragmented into esoteric specialties, and to vitalize it for contemporary application.

The Durants were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1968 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.

In 1930, he visited India in order to collect data for The Story of Civilization. He was so taken aback by the devastating poverty and the starvation which he saw, conditions which were entirely caused by the British Imperial policy in India, that he took time off from his stated goal and concentrated on writing his short book “The Case for India” about Britain’s ‘conscious and deliberate bleeding of India’.He wrote about medieval India in the aforementioned book, “The British conquest of India was the invasion and destruction of a high civilization by a trading company (the British East India Company) utterly without scruple or principle, careless of art and greedy of gain, over-running with fire and sword a country temporarily disordered and helpless, bribing and murdering, annexing and stealing, and beginning that career of illegal and ‘legal’ plunder which has now (1930) gone on ruthlessly for one hundred and seventy-three years.”