On October 2, 2024, India and the world come together to celebrate the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in the history of non-violent movements. This day, known as Gandhi Jayanti, is a national holiday in India and is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, designated by the United Nations in recognition of Gandhi’s lasting impact on peace efforts worldwide.
Mahatma Gandhi: Father of Nation
Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi went on to become a leading figure in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Educated as a lawyer in London, Gandhi moved to South Africa early in his career. It was there that he first encountered racial discrimination, which awakened his political consciousness and inspired him to adopt the principles of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance. Upon returning to India in 1915, Gandhi applied these methods in his fight for civil rights and eventually India’s freedom.
Through his leadership of the Indian National Congress, Gandhi organised several critical movements that shook the foundations of British rule in India. His philosophy of Ahimsa, or non-violence, and truth became the guiding principles behind his campaigns. From the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) to the historic Salt March (1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942), Gandhi mobilised millions of Indians to challenge the British Empire without resorting to violence.
The Salt March, or Dandi March, was one of the defining moments of the Indian independence movement. In 1930, Gandhi led thousands of Indians on a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to make salt in defiance of the British salt monopoly. This act of civil disobedience demonstrated that Indians could resist colonial oppression using non-violent means, and it galvanised the nation’s spirit of independence.
Though India finally won independence in 1947, Gandhi’s greatest disappointment was the partition of India into two nations: India and Pakistan. A staunch advocate for religious pluralism, Gandhi envisioned an India where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others could live together harmoniously. However, the rise of Hindu and Muslim nationalists, represented by the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League, fractured his vision. Despite his tireless efforts to prevent bloodshed and violence, the partition resulted in mass migrations and communal riots, which devastated the subcontinent.
On January 30, 1948, just months after independence, Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed his inclusive policies and blamed him for appeasing Muslims during the partition. His death sent shockwaves through the nation and the world, leaving behind a legacy of peace and non-violent resistance that continues to inspire movements worldwide.
Gandhi Jayanti is observed as a national holiday in India, with government offices, banks, and educational institutions remaining closed across the country. The day is marked by a range of activities that pay tribute to Gandhi’s life, teachings, and contributions. Statues of Gandhi, from New Delhi’s Raj Ghat to smaller town squares, are adorned with garlands and wreaths as people from all walks of life gather to honor his memory.
Special prayer services are held, with many choosing to sing devotional songs, including Gandhi’s favorite bhajan, “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.” Across the nation, people reflect on the values Gandhi stood for: simplicity, truth, non-violence, and unity. Prayer meetings and peace marches are held in various cities, often accompanied by speeches and discussions on how to apply Gandhi’s philosophy in contemporary society.
Schools and colleges also play an active role in the day’s observances. Many institutions hold essay competitions, speeches, debates, and art exhibitions on Gandhi’s life and legacy, with students encouraged to embrace his ideals. Some schools stage reenactments of important moments from the freedom struggle, such as the Salt March, while others organise rallies advocating for peace and non-violence in modern times. Students and teachers come together to celebrate Gandhi’s role in shaping a free India and learn about his broader contributions to social justice and human rights.
In the spirit of Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance, various community service activities are organised across the country. From cleanliness drives to social outreach programs, these initiatives aim to foster a sense of collective responsibility for improving society—an idea central to Gandhi’s philosophy of Sarvodaya or “the welfare of all.”
In recognition of Mahatma Gandhi’s profound influence on global peace movements, the United Nations declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. On this day, people around the world are encouraged to promote the message of peace, tolerance, and non-violence. International leaders and organisations often highlight the relevance of Gandhi’s principles in addressing contemporary conflicts and crises.
Gandhi’s ideas of non-violent resistance have transcended national borders. Figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who led the American civil rights movement, and Nelson Mandela, the leader of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, drew direct inspiration from Gandhi’s methods. His teachings continue to resonate in movements advocating for human rights, environmental justice, and equality.
Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy as the Father of the Nation is etched deeply into the collective consciousness of India. His commitment to non-violence, religious harmony, and self-sufficiency remains a guiding light for generations to come. Gandhi’s philosophy was not confined to India’s independence but extended to the betterment of all humanity. He stood for the rights of the oppressed, advocated for the removal of the caste system, and fought tirelessly for women’s rights.
His humble lifestyle, symbolised by his use of the spinning wheel and his emphasis on simple living, still inspires movements for sustainability and mindful consumption. At his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, visitors learn about Gandhi’s life and the values he espoused, gaining insight into his vision for an inclusive and equitable world.
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