Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Gandhiji, a great leader of India who gave his life for the country, was born on 2nd October 1869. This day is celebrated with great pleasure every year to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation as well as to remember his values, principles and philosophy.
In June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly marked 2nd October as International Day of Non-violence.
This article gives insights into how Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated in India every year and why this day is important in the context of the IAS Exam.
Latest Update on Gandhi Jayanti
- India celebrated Gandhi’s 152nd birthday on 2nd October 2021. The Prime Minister of India inaugurated Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on 12th March 2021 to celebrate the 91st anniversary of Gandhi’s significant Dandi March movement. On 2nd October 2021, both these festivals were celebrated.
- Sahitya Akademi organised an all-India poetry festival at Jain College auditorium to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. This event featured a Sahitya Akademi book exhibition too.
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Significance of Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi believed in making India a secular country. He believed in religious pluralism and worked hard towards making India a secular nation. Without his contribution, India would not have seen freedom. The world observes 2nd October as Day of Non-violence. India has three national holidays – Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
Who was Gandhiji?
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was India’s one of most important freedom fighters. He led the non-violence movement against the British.
- He studied law and went to South Africa to represent a client. After returning to India, he joined the Indian National Congress. He fought for women’s rights and caste discrimination. He also led nationwide campaigns for peasants, labourers and farmers.
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Few Movements led by Gandhi
Gandhi led a few of the most historical movements of India.
- He led the Dandi March in 1930, which made the Indians break the salt law. This movement made Indians believe that they could defeat the British.
- He led the Quit India Movement in 1942.
- He led the Civil Disobedience movement as well.
Few facts on Gandhi
- After 21 years of Gandhi’s death, Great Britain released a stamp to honour him.
- Gandhiji never won a Nobel Peace Prize, but he was nominated 5 times.
- Rabindranath Tagore titled Gandhi ‘Mahatma’.
- Only Gandhi has been the first and only Indian to have been honoured with the title ‘Time Person of the Year’ in 1930.
How does India celebrate Gandhi Jayanti?
- Indians pay homage to Gandhiji with memorial services and prayer services. Schools, colleges, local government bodies and socio-political institutions conduct cultural programmes and activities. People adorn Gandhi’s sculptures with flowers and garlands.
- In front of the statue of Gandhi in Raj Ghat, prayer meetings are offered. The Prime Minister and President of India are present during the meeting. Gandhi was cremated at Raj Ghat. People sing Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram on this day because it is Gandhi’s favourite song.
- In schools, children dress up as Gandhiji to pay tribute to him. Students recite poems and present their views on Gandhian philosophy. Students sing songs and spread the message of non-violence. They also participate in dramas conveying Indians’ fight against the British.
Conclusion
- Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to Indian peace, world peace and world politics are unforgettable. He won the title ‘Father of the Nation’ when Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose addressed him as such while he sent a condolence message to him on his wife’s death.
- After India and Pakistan Partition, the two countries started violence at the borders. Gandhi then sat on fast unto death movements to reduce the violence. Gandhi was 70 at that time.
- Many world leaders like Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and John Lennon consider Gandhi ideal. This is because he fought for freedom from the British, but he also fought against social issues like caste discrimination, women’s rights, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gandhi Jayanti
Who are Gandhi’s parents?
Mahatma Gandhi’s parents were Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi and Putibai Gandhi.
Where was Gandhi born?
Gandhi was born in Porbandar city of Gujarat.
When did Mahatma Gandhi die?
Nathuram Godse shot Mahatma thrice on his chest on 30th January 1948.
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