2 October Gandhi Jayanti Speech
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Gandhi Jayanti speech is given by students on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi. It is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti on the 2nd of October every year, and students and children participate in various stage programs and deliver speeches honouring Gandhiji. The world will celebrate the 155th birth anniversary of Gandhi Ji on 2 October 2024.
In this article, the Gandhi Jayanti speech in English or the speech on 2nd October is given in detail. Students can prepare a long speech on Gandhi Jayanti and a short speech on their own with the help of the information below.
Also Check for Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
Long Speech on Gandhi Jayanti
A long speech on Gandhi Jayanti in English is advantageous for students in grades 7-12. Let’s take a look at the speech about Mahatma Gandhi in English for students.
Greetings to everyone gathered here on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. I (your name) heartily welcome you to celebrate this momentous day along with us.
On 2nd October every year, India celebrates a national holiday in remembrance and honour of the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as Gandhi Jayanti. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also famously referred to as Mahatma Gandhi, was given the title of “Father of The Nation'' by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose for his relentless struggles for our independence. The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore gave him the title of ‘Mahatma’, which means ‘the one with the greatest soul’.
This year is his 155th birth anniversary, and we are here to revisit the principles with which he led his life and fought for independence.
Gandhiji’s two main principles were peace and non-violence (Ahimsa). He had always been a follower of truth, honesty, and non-violence. As he gave the world a strong weapon of ‘non-violence’ for fighting, the UN General Assembly declared this day as the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ to honour his principles.
If we look into the biography of Mahatma Gandhi, he was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, on October 2, 1869, in British India to a merchant-class family. He completed his initial studies in British-ruled India and later went to England to pursue law. After completing his education, he tried to practise law in India. At 24 he left India with his wife Kasturba Gandhi to practice law in South Africa.
In South Africa, he encountered inequality for the first time due to his race and colour. He was thrown out of the train because he didn’t resemble his white co-passengers. He worked in South Africa to improve the lives of Indians for a few years.
When he returned to India to practice law, he was appalled to see the injustices around him, which triggered a deep sense of doing justice in him. Soon he joined the Indian National Congress and started working for India’s independence with Champaran Satyagraha in 1917.
With his weapon of non-violence, he showed the world a new light toward change. He always fought for what was right participated in many non-violent civil rights movements, and led many campaigns like Dandi March to protest against British rule.
In 1930, he led the Dandi March, also called Salt March, to protest against the illegally imposed salt tax as this basic amenity was already freely available to the Indians due to our coastal location. Thousands of people followed Gandhi. He also led the famous Quit India Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Non-co-operation Movement to attain India’s independence from the ruling Britishers. Due to these protests, Mahatma Gandhi, along with his followers and many other freedom fighters, served their time in prison.
He invented a new way to protest referred to as peaceful Civil Disobedience (Satyagraha). His non-violent protests impacted the people of the world in many ways. He struggled for India’s freedom and helped us gain freedom from the British subjugation that lasted over 200 years. Gandhi ji also toiled to remove social evils that were rampant in the then-Indian society. This included evils like sati, child marriage, untouchability, and casteism.
Gandhiji led a life of simplicity. He wanted to preach to his followers to keep things simple and not be attached to worldly pleasures. Despite being a world-renowned leader, he wore plain Khadi clothes that he spun at home on his charkha. He was inspired by the great ascetics and gurus of India who achieved great feats through simple living. Gandhiji was devoutly religious and respectful towards all Indian religions. He believed in the equality of all and that everybody had a right to worship their own gods.
He devoted his life relentlessly to spreading awareness about the importance of equality, peace, harmony and brotherhood. He always opposed untouchability and worked for Hindu-Muslim unity. He believed in eradicating all social evils, worked with his wife, Kasturba, to empower women, and fought for women’s rights. He was also concerned about farmers, so he tried to improve their economic condition throughout his life. His principles and values still hold great value, and people consider it the right path to follow. His ideas were spread by many of his disciples, literature writers, and artists.
On 30 January 1948, he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at the age of 78. His samadhi, named Raj Ghat, is situated in Delhi. He is no more with us, but his light and guidance are immortal. ‘Hey Ram’ were his last words, and ‘My life is my message’ was his motto.
Our honourable Prime Minister, President, and other people go to Raj Ghat to pay respect to his Samadhi on Gandhi Jayanti with flowers. His favourite song, ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,’ is also sung worldwide on the occasion. All academic institutions, government offices, and other organisations stay closed on this day. Various programs like speech competitions, essay writing, collage making, poster presentations, etc., are held everywhere to commemorate Gandhiji’s birth anniversary.
He followed and actively preached non-violence through his actions. He was a great man who still inspires Indians and people all around the world to live honest and truthful lives and believe in the powers of virtues. Today as we go about our lives, let’s remember and honour his philosophy by treating people with respect and equality without any prejudices and not conforming to violence even at our worst. Let’s lead a peaceful life by following the path of non-violence, as taught by our Bapu. Jai Hind!
Also, Read Mahatma Gandhi Essay in English
Short Speech on Gandhi Jayanti in English
A short speech on Gandhi Jayanti in English for students is helpful for students in grades 4-6. Let’s take a look at the short speech on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti in English.
Good morning all! My name is (your name), and we have gathered to celebrate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
On 2nd October every year, India observes a national holiday Gandhi Jayanti to celebrate independence and honour the principles through which our freedom fighter and leader, Mahatma Gandhi, led us to this day. This year, we are celebrating the 155th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, who is also called Bapu, especially by children.
He worked in South Africa against racial injustice. He fought for our independence by following the principles of peace and non-violence. He led many successful campaigns, like removing the tax imposed on salt and also calling out the British to Quit India - all through non-violence.
He was the cheerleader for reforming rights and questioning norms, especially for the underprivileged and for a section of society that was paid the least attention to. He worked to attain India’s freedom and freed us from British governance after 200 years. He also strived to abolish untouchability in Indian society.
Gandhi Ji preferred a simple life with minimal things and was a keen observer of cleanliness. Our government runs ‘Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan’ in his name to encourage people to keep their surroundings clean. Despite being a known leader, he always wore plain Khadi clothes. This symbolises his simplistic way of living, which was one of his ideas of living. In his spare time, he spun Khadi on a charkha.
He lived like an ascetic and used minimal things in his day-to-day routine. Gandhi Ji deeply respected and took pride in the Indian traditional culture. He was a pious man who believed in God and encouraged people to follow their gods without any discrimination.
Gandhiji breathed his last on 30th January 1948 and uttered “Hey Ram” as his last words. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. He rests today at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, and thousands of people pay respect in the form of garlands and by singing his favourite song, ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’.
India’s Prime Minister, President, and other notable leaders go to Raj Ghat (his Samadhi) on Gandhi Jayanti to pay tribute to him.
He believed in simple living and big deeds. His life’s motto, ‘My life is my message,’ also conveyed the same ideas. He once said, ‘An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind’ to show the importance of non-violence. His life, messages, and wisdom not only influenced Indians but also inspired the whole world to believe in the religion of humanity.
On this day of Gandhi Jayanti 2024, let us pledge ourselves to follow the path of the legacy he left behind and lead our lives in peace and harmony.
Thank you.
Gandhi Jayanti Speech for Kids
Good morning everyone,
Today is Gandhi Jayanti, a special day to remember Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2nd. He is known as the "Father of the Nation" because he helped India gain freedom from British rule by using peaceful methods.
Gandhi taught us to be truthful and kind. He led a famous march to protest unfair salt taxes and lived simply to show that we don’t need a lot to make a difference.
Let’s use this day to remember Gandhi’s values and try to be kind and honest in our own lives.
Thank you.
Also, Read Mahatma Gandhi Biography
10 Lines Speech on Mahatma Gandhi
The 10-line Speech on Mahatma Gandhi is extremely helpful for students in grades 1-3 as they gain a certain perspective on the topic in a simple and easy form.
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday celebrated on the 2nd of October every year, and 2024 marks his 155th birth anniversary.
This day is observed as a national holiday and is the third national holiday after Independence Day and Republic Day.
It is also celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Children and adults both celebrate this day with equal zeal.
Mahatma Gandhi fought bravely for the freedom of our country and was a great freedom fighter.
Children dress up as ‘Bapu’ and participate in different stage performances on this day.
Every community and religion, celebrate Bapu’s birthday with a great sense of unity.
People revisit the ideologies and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
At the end of the school, celebration sweets are distributed among children.
His ideas of non-violence are discussed and debated.
FAQs on Gandhi Jayanti Speech: Honoring the Father of the Nation
1. What is the fundamental importance of Gandhi Jayanti and why is it commemorated with speeches?
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd, marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the 'Father of the Nation'. Its importance lies in honouring his monumental role in India's freedom struggle through the path of non-violence. Speeches on this day serve as a powerful medium to reiterate and reflect upon his timeless principles of truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), and social justice, encouraging new generations to adopt these values.
2. What are the key points to include in a well-structured Gandhi Jayanti speech?
A comprehensive Gandhi Jayanti speech should cover several key aspects to be impactful. Essential points to include are:
- A respectful greeting and a brief introduction to the occasion.
- Mention of Gandhi's full name, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and his title, 'Father of the Nation'.
- An overview of his core philosophies, particularly Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-violence).
- Reference to key movements he led, such as the Dandi March, Quit India Movement, and Non-Cooperation Movement.
- A concluding message that connects his teachings to contemporary life and inspires the audience.
3. How can I start a speech on Mahatma Gandhi to immediately engage the audience?
To capture your audience's attention from the beginning, start your speech with a powerful hook. You can begin with one of his famous quotes, such as, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Alternatively, you could pose a rhetorical question like, "What does it truly mean to win a fight without raising a single weapon?" This sets a thoughtful tone and makes the audience eager to hear more.
4. Which of Mahatma Gandhi's major freedom movements are essential to mention in a speech for historical context?
To provide strong historical context in your speech, you should mention some of Gandhi's most significant movements. Key examples include the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), the Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha (1930), and the climactic Quit India Movement (1942). Mentioning these highlights his strategic use of non-violent civil disobedience.
5. How do Gandhi's core principles of 'Satya' and 'Ahimsa' form the central message of any speech about him?
Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-violence) are not just principles but the very foundation of Gandhian philosophy. In a speech, they form the central message because they were his primary tools for social and political change. Satya was his unwavering commitment to righteousness, while Ahimsa was his method of resistance against injustice without causing harm. A speech about Gandhi is incomplete without explaining how he used these two powerful ideas to lead India to freedom.
6. What is the main difference between writing a Gandhi Jayanti speech and a Gandhi Jayanti essay?
The primary difference lies in the format and purpose. A speech is written to be spoken and aims to connect, persuade, and inspire a live audience using a direct, conversational tone and rhetorical devices. An essay is written to be read, allowing for more formal language, complex sentence structures, and detailed exploration of topics with citations and arguments, without the need for direct audience engagement.
7. How can a student connect Gandhi's historical struggles, like the Swadeshi movement, to modern-day India in a speech?
To make a speech relevant, you can draw parallels between his historical struggles and current initiatives. For example, you can connect the Swadeshi movement's focus on local goods to the modern 'Make in India' or 'Vocal for Local' campaigns. Similarly, Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness (Swachhata) can be directly linked to the nationwide 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', showing how his vision continues to shape India's policies today.
8. What was Mahatma Gandhi's most famous speech and what was its core message?
Mahatma Gandhi's most famous speech is the "Quit India" speech, delivered on August 8, 1942, in Bombay. Its core message was a powerful call to action for the British to grant India immediate independence. It is renowned for his compelling slogan, "Do or Die," which urged Indians to commit themselves fully to the struggle for freedom through determined but non-violent means.
9. Beyond the freedom struggle, what other aspects of Gandhi's life can be highlighted to make a speech more unique?
To offer a unique perspective, your speech can explore lesser-known but equally important aspects of his life. You can discuss his deep emphasis on rural development and self-sufficient villages (Gram Swaraj), his fight against social evils like untouchability, his advocacy for sanitation and hygiene, or his belief in inter-faith harmony. These themes showcase the holistic nature of his vision for India.
10. How should a Gandhi Jayanti speech be adapted for different audiences, such as primary vs. high school students?
Adapting the speech is key to its effectiveness. For primary school students, use simple language, focus on inspiring stories like his childhood commitment to truth, and highlight moral values like honesty and kindness. For high school students, you can delve into more complex topics, such as the political and philosophical underpinnings of his movements, his global influence, and the relevance of his ideology in solving today's challenges.
11. What common mistakes should be avoided when delivering a speech on Mahatma Gandhi?
To ensure your speech is respectful and impactful, avoid these common mistakes:
- Focusing only on dates and facts without explaining their significance.
- Delivering the speech in a monotonous tone, which fails to convey passion.
- Misrepresenting his complex views on social or political issues.
- Failing to connect his ideals to the present-day context, making the speech feel outdated.
12. Where can I find reliable, syllabus-aligned information for my Gandhi Jayanti speech?
For authentic and curriculum-aligned information, students should refer to their NCERT History and Social Science textbooks. These books provide detailed and accurate accounts of Mahatma Gandhi's life and his role in the Indian National Movement, as prescribed by the CBSE syllabus for the 2025-26 academic year. They are the most reliable source for facts, timelines, and the context of his key contributions.
