Every year, October 2 is a very important day for Indians. It is indeed an auspicious day as our beloved Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu, was born on this day. On this day, we honour the life and principles of Gandhiji, who devoted his all to the Indian Independence Movement and left an indelible mark on the world. In his memory, we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti.
The history of Gandhi Jayanti
A man of great simplicity, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is famously known as the Mahatma, was born on October 2, 1869, in the little Gujarati town of Porbandar. As he was born into a wealthy and politically connected family in India, he got a good education, and ended up going to London to study Law. Then, he went to South Africa to work, and encountered prejudice due to the colour of his skin. This was the pivotal moment in his life, leading him to his first involvement in the civil rights movement.
On returning to India in 1916, Gandhiji was disturbed to see the oppression of the Indian people by the British. Soon, he began to protest against them in peaceful campaigns and encouraged others to do the same.
During his political career, Gandhiji was arrested and jailed many times, but he only ever used peaceful means of protest, and encouraged others to do the same. With his beliefs in truth, and nonviolence, he became widely known internationally, and travelled to other countries to speak, including the UK and the USA.
For many years, Gandhiji campaigned for Indian independence from British rule, and ultimately, India gained independence in 1947.
Even though Gandhjii was a hero to many in India and around the world, not everyone liked him. The great man survived several assassination attempts during his political career. However, in 1948, one attempt was successful, and Gandhiji was shot and killed. Not just in India, his death was mourned by people all over the world.
So, to honour Gandhiji’s great contribution in the Indian freedom movement, his birthday was declared a national holiday, and in this way 2nd October became Gandhi Jayanti.
Significant Initiatives And Events
With great fervor, Indian society celebrates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. By visiting Raj Ghat in New Delhi, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, honours Gandhiji. Exhibitions, seminars and cultural events all contribute to the promotion of motivation and comprehension.
- International Day of Non-Violence:
On June 2, 2007, the UN General Assembly declared 2nd October as International Day of Non-Violence, to commemorate Gandhi’s audacious strategies for societal change.
- The Gandhi Peace Prize: In 1995, the Indian government established the Gandhi Peace Prize to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence and his actions against social, political, and economic inequalities.
- Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti:
To honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and promote his ideals, the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti was established in 1984. It is responsible for overseeing the Gandhi Memorial in New Delhi, where Gandhiji lived and perished in 1948.
Nationwide celebration of Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, celebrated in all Indian states and union territories. Schools and colleges around the country celebrate in style, with students competing in a variety of events honoring Gandhi’s legacy. The people who believe in Gandhi’s ideology, organize some activities to honour his contribution.
- Prayer Meetings: Prayer sessions are conducted in Gandhi Ashrams and other locations, where people congregate to reflect on the spiritual and philosophical facets of Gandhi’s life. In these sessions, one of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” is sung with great devotion, spreading a message of peace and unity.
- Award distribution: Awards are distributed to people and institutions that keep with Gandhi’s ideals.
- Rallies: Through Rallies and peaceful processions, Gandhian principles of social justice and nonviolence are promoted.
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