New Delhi:

 A nationwide cleanliness drive conducted on October 1 in response to an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw the participation of 8.75 crore people at over nine lakh sites across the country, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.

On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, PM Modi pitched for blending fitness and well-being with cleanliness as he led a nationwide cleanliness drive which saw the participation of people in large numbers.

“The mega cleanliness drive across the nation got an impetus with sanitation being the great unifier for the nation, transcending panchayats, municipalities, districts and state boundaries,” the HUA ministry in a statement.

According to it, many governors, chief ministers, local political leaders, thousands of civil society organisations and the public took part in the cleanliness drive.

In a recent episode of the monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast, PM Modi appealed to all citizens for “one hour of shramdaan (voluntary labour) for swachhata” on October 1 and said it would be a “Swachhanjali” to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary.

The ministry said that this collective action of people certainly resulted in visible cleanliness in all sites. In the nine years of the Swachh Bharat Mission, people have come together on numerous occasions, highlighting the strength of collective efforts, it said.

“An effort of this kind with such a large number of people coming together for an hour for a single cause to offer voluntary effort for a cleaner nation, is certainly one of its kind,” it said.

As the journey continues under Swachh Bharat Mission-2.0, this kind of collective action will certainly boost the strength of action for ‘Garbage-Free Cities’ by 2026 by adoption of scientific waste management and remediation of legacy dumpsites, it added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud today said Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas have persisted over time as a tool of social change, non-violent ways of life and humanism. The Chief Justice of India was speaking at a programme organised on Gandhi Jayanti in London.

“In India, he is lovingly referred to as ‘Bapu’ which means ‘father’. In a spiritual sense, he is a guiding light for all of us. His ideas have persisted over time as a tool of social change, non-violent ways of life and humanism,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

“Bapu’s legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of India. His ideas have inspired countless individuals and people’s movements around the world, transcending cultural and geographical barriers. His philosophy continues to influence and guide those who strive for a more equitable and just society,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

The Chief Justice of India said Bapu’s commitment to social justice and equality continues to “inspire us to fight against injustices”.

“His unwavering belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual serves as a reminder that we must strive for a society where everyone is treated with fairness and respect. Bapu’s vision of a more equitable and just society encourages us to challenge systems of oppression, advocate for the rights of marginalised communities, and work towards creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to necessities,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

He said Bapu’s lessons on sustainability are a guiding light for today’s world. “As we face the pressing issue of climate change and environmental challenges, his emphasis on living in harmony with nature and practising sustainable lifestyles provides us with valuable guidance,” the Chief Justice of India said.

“Bapu believed in the philosophy of ‘plain living and high thinking’, thus advocating for a lifestyle that is mindful of our impact on the environment. His ideas on sustainability remind us of the importance of contentment and responsible consumption, conservation of resources, and the need to protect the natural world for future generations,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

“As we remember and pay our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, let us re-dedicate ourselves to upholding his principles and working towards a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” he said.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Delhi’s Rajghat on the latter’s 154th birth anniversary. 

The Prime Minister said Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global and inspiring people all over the world to promote unity and compassion.

“I bow to Mahatma Gandhi on the special occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. His timeless teachings continue to illuminate our path. Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global, motivating the entire humankind to further the spirit of unity and compassion. May we always work towards fulfilling his dreams. May his thoughts enable every youngster be the agent of change he dreamt of, fostering unity and harmony all over,” PM Modi wrote on X. 

I bow to Mahatma Gandhi on the special occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. His timeless teachings continue to illuminate our path. Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global, motivating the entire humankind to further the spirit of unity and compassion. May we always work towards fulfilling his…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2023

Tributes poured in for Mahatma Gandhi from all quarters.

President Droupadi Murmu said that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology is timeless and will always be relevant for the world. She urged people to follow his values and teachings for the welfare of the country.

“Gandhiji ideals of truth and non-violence paved a new way for the world. Gandhiji not only fought for non-violence throughout his life but he also took up the cause of cleanliness, women empowerment, self-reliance and farmers’ rights and fought against untouchability, social discrimination and illiteracy,” she said in a message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged everyone to follow the Mahatma’s ideas of truth, non-violence and equality.

“The thoughts and ideals of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired the entire world to follow the path of truth, non-violence and peace, and the founder of the Indian freedom struggle, are relevant for us even today,” Mr Kharge wrote on X.

“आप मुझे बेड़ियों से जकड़ सकते हैं, यातना दे सकते हैं, आप इस शरीर को ख़त्म भी कर सकते हैं, लेकिन आप मेरे विचारों को क़ैद नहीं कर सकते।”

~ महात्मा गाँधी

संपूर्ण विश्व को सत्य-अहिंसा एवं शांति के मार्ग पर चलने के लिए प्रेरित करने वाले, भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के सूत्रधार,… pic.twitter.com/qDxcIxHR9h

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 2, 2023

“His ideas like truth, non-violence, peace and equality are being challenged today, but we are fighting it by following the values taught by Bapu,” he added. 

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena joined other dignitaries in paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
 

New Delhi:

On the occasion of 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, several leaders including PM Modi paid tribute to the father of nation at the Rajghat. 

Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and spearheaded several movements that eventually helped free India from colonial rule. Mahatma Gandhi, fondly called Bapu, has left an indelible impression on the life of many. 

He is regarded as the Father of the Nation who showcased the power of non-violence to the world and vehemently opposed bloodshed.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets on Gandhi Jayanti

I bow to Mahatma Gandhi on the special occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. His timeless teachings continue to illuminate our path. Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global, motivating the entire humankind to further the spirit of unity and compassion. May we always work towards fulfilling his…

– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2023

Mahatma Gandhi’s 154th Birth Anniversary: History Behind This National Festival

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2. It marks the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, revered as Mahatma Gandhi. He is fondly remembered by the people as “Mahatma” or “Bapu”, and played a key role in India’s freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated the power of non-violence, or ahimsa through various peaceful movements. He inspired leaders across the world with his values and principles.

On October 2 every year, people mark Gandhi Jayanti and remember the contribution of the “Father of the Nation”. The day is also observed as “International Day of Non-Violence” to disseminate the message of non-violence.

The United Nations declared October 2 as “International Day of Non-Violence” on June 15, 2007. Several programmes and cultural events are organised to pay homage to the Father Of The Nation and spread his teachings. Many people also visit places dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi on this day – like Raj Ghat in Delhi, Mani Bhavan in Mumbai and Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.

Gandhi Jayanti: Here’s All You Need To Know About Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary

Gandhi Jayanti is observed globally on October 2 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian freedom struggle. Mr Gandhi, who was given the title Mahatma by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, was a politician, social activist and lawyer whose ideologies and struggles led to India’s independence in 1947. He was fondly known as ‘Bapu’ and the ‘Father of the Nation’. His unwavering belief in ‘Swaraj (self-governance)’ and ‘Ahimsa (non-violence)’ won him accolades worldwide. Read more

• Every year, on October 2, people mark Gandhi Jayanti and remember the contribution of the “Father of the Nation”. 
• The day is also observed as “International Day of Non-Violence” to disseminate the message of non-violence.