Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic national leader of India, was born on 2nd October 1869. This day is celebrated every year as Gandhi Jayanti all across India in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, to commemorate his unparalleled contribution to the Indian Independence Movement. Gandhi Jayanti is observed as a national holiday in India. Mahatma Gandhi believed in the principle of non-violence and practised it throughout the freedom struggle of our country. Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence all over the world, as declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations. 

Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. He pursued studies in law at the University College of London. He went to South Africa, in 1893, to represent a merchant of Indian origin in a lawsuit, and stayed there for 21 years. It was during these 21 years when Mahatma Gandhi realised and developed strong political opinions. The fierce racial discrimination faced by the Indians in the British Empire triggered the spirit of nationalism in Mahatma Gandhi and engendered the non-violent nationalist protest movements led by him, in South Africa and later in India. 

About Gandhi Jayanti 

Mahatma Gandhi led the Indians on the path of Independence through various civil uprisings that emphasised non-violence. The Quit India movement, the Satyagraha movement, the Non-cooperation movement, and the Civil Disobedience movement, are coined in the history of our nation as the main pillars of our freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi led these mass movements with a rigorous practice of non-violence. 

10 Facts on Mahatma Gandhi

• Born on 2nd October 1869: Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, and his birthday is now celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.

• Studied law in London: Gandhi went to London in 1888 to study law at University College London.

• Fought for civil rights in South Africa: Gandhi spent over 20 years in South Africa, advocating for the rights of Indian immigrants.

• Leader of India’s independence movement: Gandhi played a central role in India’s struggle for freedom from British rule through non-violence.

• Promoted non-violent resistance: He championed Satyagraha, a philosophy of non-violent protest, which became a key tool in the independence movement.

• Led the Salt March in 1930: Gandhi organized the famous Salt March to protest against British salt taxes, a pivotal moment in the freedom struggle.

• Advocated for communal harmony: He worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity between different religious communities in India.

• Wore simple clothing: Gandhi adopted a simple lifestyle, wearing a dhoti and shawl to promote self-reliance and simplicity.

• Assassinated in 1948: Gandhi was tragically assassinated on 30th January 1948 in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse.

• International Day of Non-Violence: The United Nations declared 2nd October, his birthday, as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007.

History Behind Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on October 2nd, marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the man who led India’s non-violent fight for independence. Born in 1869, Gandhi’s approach of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, inspired not only the people of India but also movements for civil rights and freedom across the globe.

In 1948, just a year after Gandhi’s passing, the Indian government made Gandhi Jayanti a national holiday to honour his legacy. People celebrate the day with prayers, tributes, and peace marches, remembering his teachings of truth and non-violence. In 2007, the United Nations recognised Gandhi’s contributions by declaring October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence, making his message of peace and unity global.

Gandhi Jayanti Quotes

Gandhi Jayanti Quotes reflect Gandhi’s core beliefs of peace, forgiveness, and personal responsibility, making them timeless lessons for all.

1. "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."

2. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

3. "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."

4. "In a gentle way, you can shake the world."

5. "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

6. "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

7. "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind."

Gandhi Jayanti 2024 Wishes

These wishes reflect the spirit of Gandhi Jayanti, focusing on peace, truth, and positive change.

1. Happy Gandhi Jayanti! Let’s honour the man who taught the world the power of peace and non-violence.

2. Wishing you a peaceful Gandhi Jayanti! May we all follow the path of truth and kindness.

3. On this Gandhi Jayanti, let’s live by honesty, humility, and selflessness.

4. Happy Gandhi Jayanti! Let’s remember the man who brought change through peace and unity.

5. May the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi inspire us to work towards a better and more just world. Happy Gandhi Jayanti!

6. Warm wishes on Gandhi Jayanti. Let’s walk the path of peace and wisdom, as shown by the Father of our Nation.

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 

2 October Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all over the nation in the remembrance of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to pay him homage and to preach his philosophy of non-violence, and harmony among all. People celebrate Gandhi Jayanti by conducting prayer meets, cultural programs, and various other social events on Gandhi Jayanti dates. Special celebrations are observed in Delhi, the capital of India. Portraits of Bapu are decorated with flowers and garlands on this day and some of his most valuable quotes are re-iterated at the celebrations through speeches by prominent personalities.  

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, many people visit the Sabarmati Ashram, in Gujarat. Mahatma Gandhi spent many years in this Ashram and led a simple life there, which was meant to be close to his roots. In this Ashram, there is the famous ‘Charkha’ or spinning wheel of Gandhi, which symbolized the use of indigenous khadi cloth during the boycott of foreign goods. Gandhi started the famous Dandi March from this Sabarmati Ashram along with his followers to protest against the salt law imposed by the British government. People visit this place to see the various belongings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi was cremated at Raj Ghat, in the capital city of Delhi. The President and the Prime Minister of India come together on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti for a prayer meeting at this memorial in Raj Ghat. They offer prayers and flowers to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located at this place.  

Various cultural events are organized for the Gandhi Jayanti celebration in schools and colleges. Painting competitions with the theme of patriotism and Gandhi Jayanti essay competitions are held at various schools. Students stage various patriotic dance dramas and other performances with a lot of zeal. They sing patriotic songs as well. They make banners with the wise and famous teachings of Mahatma Gandhi for the decorations of Gandhi Jayanti. Also, the event for prize distribution is held on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti in some schools and colleges.

The statues of Mahatma Gandhi, all across India are decorated with lots of flowers. All the Gandhi Jayanti information encompassing the importance of Gandhi Jayanti is orchestrated through various songs and speeches. In fact, demonstrations and art exhibitions are held in several places depicting all about Gandhi Jayanti in the most creative ways. The valuable teachings of Mahatma Gandhi will help us stride towards development, in every sphere of life. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Gandhi Jayanti date in 2014, to commemorate this day.