Have you ever wondered how one person can change a nation? Gandhi Jayanti is a special day in India, celebrated on October 2nd, to honour Mahatma Gandhi. He was a great leader who fought for India's freedom using peace and non-violence. Gandhi was known for his simple living and high thinking. He united Indians to stand together against British rule. His non-violent protests were a big part of India's struggle for independence.
Gandhi Jayanti is not just a national holiday in India; it's also the International Day of Non-Violence since 2007. People remember Gandhi by doing peaceful activities and paying respects at his memorials. Schools and public places host events about Gandhi's life and values. It's a day to learn about non-violence and peace, which were key to Gandhi's teachings. Everyone, young and old, joins in to celebrate this day.
Significance of Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of the "Father of the Nation," Mahatma Gandhi. It is the day when all countrymen come together to pay tribute to this great man who helped the country escape colonial rule. He firmly believed in religious pluralism and was a forerunner of truth and non-violence. He worked tirelessly to make India a secular country. Gandhi Jayanti is, thus, a day to pay homage to the iconic leader who guided people to fight for their rights by following a non-violent approach. He also denounced untouchability and the caste system in the country. Based on his principles and teachings, India launched the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,' i.e., Clean India Mission, on October 2, 2014, to improve solid waste management in rural and urban areas and eradicate open defecation in India. Gandhi Jayanti holds immense significance to the people of India, as it highlights the importance of these initiatives rooted in Gandhi's vision. Gandhi Jayanti's information is shared nationwide to spread awareness about his values and inspire citizens to follow his teachings. Moreover, it is not just a celebration but a day to remember and follow the beliefs, teachings, and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
Life Journey of Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, aka Bapu, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He was the youngest child of Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. His foundation years spent at his home steeped in Vaishnavism instilled a firm belief in the eternalism of the Universe. Thus, noninjury to all living beings or Ahimsa, fasting for self-purification, vegetarianism, and mutual tolerance between people from different castes and creeds were taken for granted in his household. After his early education in India, he was sent to England to become a barrister. He returned to India in 1891 and started working as a lawyer amidst many challenges. Unfortunately, he found that a career as a barrister was not a sure-shot guarantee of a lucrative career.
In 1893 he left for Natal, South Africa, to work in an Indian firm. He spent two decades in South Africa and faced many challenges, most prominently of all racial discrimination. He returned to India and decided to explore the country and understand the challenges and hardships common men face. He travelled by train and came in close contact with locals who shared their problems and agonies. It was then that Gandhiji decided to face the problem headlong. From here on, a series of movements started that gently steered India towards a serious effort to attain freedom from the oppressive British Rule. His austere and simple life impressed everyone, even his staunchest opponents, who were forced to support him in their bid to get freedom from colonialism. Decades of hard work, efforts, and his amazing vision helped the country break free from British Rule's shackles.
Amazing Facts About Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhiji or Bapu’s name is so famous worldwide that it doesn’t need any introduction. His principles like non-violence, peace, non-cooperation, satyagraha, etc., were the most impactful ways of fighting the centuries-old colonial rule in India. Besides the known story of Mahatma Gandhi, many facts about him make him an interesting personality. Let us have a look at them.
#Fact 1. Gandhi and the famous writer Leo Tolstoy were very good friends. They used to interact with each other through letters. He also set up a Tolstoy Farm 21 miles from Johannesburg, South Africa. Sprawled on an 1100-acre site, this farm was set up for colleagues who helped him during the Satyagraha struggle.
#Fact 2. He relentlessly worked for the upliftment of the weaker section of the society and ‘untouchables’ who he named them as Harijan or children of God. He fasted for them and demanded fair treatment for them.
#Fact 3. In 1982, a movie was made about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, in which Richard Attenborough played his character. This movie won a lot of awards, appreciation, and accolades. It also includes winning the most prestigious Academy Award for the Best Motion Picture category.
#Fact 4. Mahatma Gandhi was featured on the Time Magazine Man of the Year which is a great honour. This honour is bestowed on a very chosen few dignitaries of the world.
#Fact 5. Mahatma Gandhi was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize. The last nomination was just a few days before he was murdered in 1948.
#Fact 6. Mahatma Gandhi was a prolific writer. His collected works have 50,000 pages. And do you know that the honour of Mahatma was conferred on him by Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize-winning Bengali Poet?
#Fact 7. 21 years after his death, Great Britain against whom Mahatma Gandhi fought to get his nation independent, released a stamp to honour him.
#Fact 8. The funeral of Mahatma Gandhi witnessed an eight-kilometre long funeral procession.
How Gandhi Jayanti is Celebrated Across India
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated in diverse ways across different parts of the country. Many government offices and schools organise events that highlight the significance of Gandhi's life and teachings. People participate in peaceful activities such as cleanliness drives, tree planting, and community service, symbolising the values of Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, cultural programs are organised, featuring plays, songs, and speeches that shed light on the relevance of non-violence and truth in today's society. These activities make the Gandhi Jayanti celebration meaningful for all age groups.
Interesting Gandhi Jayanti 2024 Events to Watch Out For
Each year, unique events and programs are organised to commemorate this special day. In 2024, you can expect a host of celebrations, including educational seminars, exhibitions of Gandhi's works, and public speeches by prominent leaders. Major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad are known for grand Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, where people gather in large numbers to offer their respects. Keep an eye out for these events as they offer a great opportunity to engage with Gandhi's teachings and understand their significance in modern India.
Places In India That Are Dedicated To Mahatma Gandhi
Recently, the nation celebrated the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. Let us have a look at places that have Bapu immortalised forever.
1. Sabarmati Ashram
Referred to as Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad was the centre of freedom struggle movement in India. Gandhi used this Ashram as his base where he experimented with non-violence, peaceful protests, and truth.
- Nearest Airport. Ahmedabad Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Ahmedabad Junction
2. Sevagram, Wardha
As per Gandhiji, India’s condition could only be ameliorated with village level improvements. This ideology was put to practice in Wardha at Sevagram. Gandhi used this ashram as his experimental laboratory from 1934 to 1940.
How to Reach Wardha
- Nearest Airport. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
- Nearest Railway Station. Wardha Junction
This place finds frequent mentions in history books. It is the place where Bapu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai, secretary of Gandhiji, were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement. Today, paintings and photos of Gandhiji are exhibited here at the Gandhi National Memorial.
How to Reach Pune
- Nearest Airport. Pune Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Lonavala District Pune
4. Gandhi Smriti, Delhi
It is the place where Gandhiji was assassinated while going for the morning prayers by Nathuram Godse. Today, this place, the erstwhile Birla House, is conserved as Gandhi Smriti.
How to Reach Delhi
- Nearest Airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. New Delhi Railway Station
Major Attractions Of Gandhi Jayanti
Although Gandhi Jayanti is observed in all parts of India, the celebration in Delhi is something you shouldn't miss. Here are some of the major attractions to venture on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
1. Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Gandhi Ji. The term 'Raj Ghat' translates to the royal platform, which features a blue-black marble platform. On Gandhi Jayanti, people from different parts of the country gather at Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Closer to Daryaganj, Raj Ghat is located on Ring Road, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Gandhi Jayanti is a day to remember the sacrifices and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and all the freedom fighters who helped India gain independence from the British. Hence, India Gate is the perfect place to visit on this occasion. One of the largest war memorials in India, India Gate is located near Rajpath, which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate is visited by the Prime Minister on Republic Day to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces who died in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
3. Connaught Place
No matter what the occasion, the people of Delhi never miss out on visiting Connaught Place. One of the significant commercial spots in the national capital, Connaught Place, is home to some of the oldest eateries and shops. The massive Indian tricolour flag near Rajiv Chowk fills you with a sense of patriotism and is something you must venture into while in Delhi during Gandhi Jayanti.
It is customary that the Prime Minister hoists the Indian national flag on Independence Day of the country and addresses its citizens at Red Fort. But you can definitely visit the historic fort on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti as well. Built in the 17th Century, the monument is of utmost importance to the nation and depicts its intricate history.
Conclusion
Gandhi Jayanti is a day that reminds us of the power of peace and unity. It's a time to remember Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and apply them to our lives. His message of non-violence and truth is just as important today as it was during India's freedom struggle. This day encourages us to work together for a better world, just like Gandhi did.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gandhi Jayanti
Q. When is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?
A. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October to commemorate the birthday of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Recently, the country celebrated the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Q. How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?
A. The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi falls on 2nd October. Every year, the nation comes together to celebrate this day with a National Holiday and prayer meets at Rajghat.
Q. Why do we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti?
A. Gandhi Jayanti is a day to remember the sacrifices and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and all the freedom fighters who helped India gain independence from the British.
Q. Why is Gandhi referred to as Father of Nation?
A. Gandhi ji is referred to as the Father of Nation because it was he who helped the country gain freedom from the oppressive rule of Britishers.
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