Gandhi Jayanti 2024; Whole India is Celebrating 155th Birth Anniversary of Bapu.

Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India, celebrated annually on October 2 to honor the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the key leaders of the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of nonviolence. This year whole India is celebrating the 155th birth anniversary of Bapu. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared this day as the International Day of Nonviolence.

Subhash Chandra Bose named Gandhi ji as the “Father of the Nation“, highlighting the significant impact of his non-violent resistance principles for India’s independence from British colonial rule. This struggle ultimately resulted in India’s independence from British control. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2 and is observed in all states and territories of India.

The occasion is observed with prayer services and tributes across India, especially at Gandhi’s mausoleum Rajghat in New Delhi, where he was cremated. Popular activities include prayer meetings, memorial ceremonies in various cities by colleges, local government institutions, and socio-political institutions.

On this day awards are given for projects that encourage a non-violent lifestyle in schools and the community, as well as celebrating Gandhi’s efforts in the Indian Independence Movement. Gandhiji’s favourite bhajan, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is usually performed in his memory. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi are decorated with flowers and garlands throughout the country.

Mahatma Gandhi and his early life:

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar. He was born in a business family. He completed his studies in India and then moved to England for higher education. He practiced law after completing his education. He joined the INC (Indian National Congress) in 1920. Also, in 1917 he began working for India’s independence with the Champaran Satyagraha.

He fought for many non-violent civil rights movements and led various campaigns such as the Dandi March in 1930, also known as the Salt March. The primary objective of the Dandi March was to protest against the illegally imposed salt tax.

Mahatma Gandhi and His Leadership: He started the Quit India Movement in the year 1942. He felt strongly about many unfair practices like caste system, casteism, discrimination against people, Non-cooperation Movement and Disobedience Movement.

He influenced people in many ways across the world. Due to these, he got many followers and other freedom fighters who helped him or served him in his jail time. He invented a new way of protesting which is known as Civil Disobedience. He struggled a lot for the independence of India and helped us to get it. He also fought against social evils like child marriage, sati-pratha, untouchability and casteism. He lived his life very simply. He wanted to give the message to his followers to keep things simple and live a simple life.

He was known as a world-famous leader while he used to wear Khadi clothes which he used to make on the charkha at his home. Mahatma Gandhi was very spiritual and had a deep respect for all religions practised in India. He advocated the principle of equality and said that every person has the right to worship freely. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to promoting the ideals of harmony and brotherhood among different communities.

He also worked for Hindu-Muslim unity. He was concerned about the farmers and so he tried very hard to improve their economic well-being. He was a man who strongly adhered to his principles and values. He always guided people on the right path.

Celebrations at Rajghat: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as a national holiday. Prayer meetings are held to pay tribute in front of the statue at Rajghat in New Delhi. The President and Prime Minister of India are present during the prayers at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi, where he was cremated. His most loved and dedicated song, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is performed in his honour.

Celebrations in Schools Every year: various events are organised by schools across India to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October. Students of schools participate enthusiastically in Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. Students sing songs based on Bapu’s message of truth and non-violence. They recite poems and present their views on Gandhian philosophy. Young children celebrate this event by dressing up like Gandhi Ji and singing nationalistic songs. Students also take part in rallies across the country carrying banners telling the importance of peace and non-violence.

Message on Gandhi Jayanti: Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution in bringing peace and non-violence in this world is unparalleled. His teachings should be promoted to find peaceful solutions to every small or big problem to resolve current conflicts, avoid violence and make this world a better place to live.

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