 (2.10.1869 – 30.1.1948)- ‘Father of the Nation’ (Bapu), and on the other hand, that of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the 2nd Prime Minister of India.){kind=link}
The annual Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) (2.10.1869 – 30.1.1948)- ‘Father of the Nation’ (Bapu), and on the other hand, that of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the 2nd Prime Minister of India.
The day commemorates Gandhi’s message of non-violence, truth, cleanliness, equality, and self-labor, on positive notes. This year, the country is celebrating Bapu’s 155th birth anniversary of Bapu. This day is recognized as a national holiday in India and is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence the world over. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar (Gujarat), Gandhi played a crucial role in the country’s independence struggle and helped India achieve its freedom by leading non-violent protests against the powerful British rule.
India achieved its independence in 1947 due to his efforts and those of countless other freedom fighters. His philosophy, which inspired many around the globe, was known as Satyagraha (truth and non-violence). The day is observed to honor his life and to promote his ideas of peace and harmony. Gandhi’s teachings remind us of the power of peaceful resistance and standing up for justice without violent methods – learning that holds much importance even today amid the continuous wars between a few nations, and people getting more cunning, selfish, and greedy the world over.
Gandhi Jayanti celebrations include cultural programs and remembrance ceremonies. The Prime Minister, President, and other dignitaries visit Raj Ghat in New Delhi to offer their tributes. Many schools and educational institutions conduct cultural programs where students sing Bapu’s favorite bhajan – Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. Gandhi’s principle of non-violence was not limited to physical acts. It also included thoughts and words. He always led a simple life, often weaving his clothes, cleaning his surroundings, and urging others to adopt the same lifestyle. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award. Count Leo Tolstoy was his true mentor who attracted him towards preachings of non-violence, universal love, concern for the weakest, a moral stance in whatever one does, and a non-violent resolution of conflicts among individuals, groups, and nations.
On this day, India also celebrates Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti. It honors the birth anniversary of India’s second prime minister. Shastri is recognized for his slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” which has now elongated with time-needed additions of “Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan”. He is remembered as an outstanding statesman and leader.
The second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, is cherished for his modesty, simplicity, and commitment to the country. Millions of people are still moved by his contribution to India, particularly in difficult times like the 1965 Indo-Pak War. His leadership and achievements are honored nationwide on the anniversary of his birth each year. The year 2024 marks his 120th birth anniversary. On October 2, 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in the ‘Mughalsarai’, Uttar Pradesh. As a leader who stood out for the interests of the common person, Shastri played a vital role in the Indian independence movement and succeeded Jawaharlal Nehru as prime minister.
The celebration and remembrance of Shastri’s ideals of integrity, simplicity, and patriotism are what make Shastri Jayanti significant. He was renowned for his uncorrupt, modest leadership, and his actions particularly in times of war showed how a short-statured leader was so determined to uphold India’s security and sovereignty in the moments of great crisis.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, will lead the nationwide Coastal and Beach Cleanliness Drive organized by MY Bharat from the historic city of Porbandar, Gujarat, on this occasion. This special drive aims to eliminate single-use plastic waste from India’s beaches and coastal areas, marking the culmination of the broader “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, which is running from September 17 to October 2, 2024, under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.”
The drive targets over 1,000 locations along India’s vast 7,500 km coastline, focusing particularly on the collection, segregation, and disposal of single-use plastics. More than 1,00,000 MY Bharat volunteers will participate in this nationwide beach cleanup, demonstrating the power of collective action in achieving environmental sustainability.
However, in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the relevance of timeless wisdom often gets lost . However, the principles advocated by Mahatma Gandhi continue to shine as beacons of hope in the 21st century. Of course, Gandhian principles offer valuable insights into addressing contemporary global challenges.
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Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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