PM Modi, President Murmu, other leaders pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary and said his timeless teachings “continue to illuminate our path.”

The nation remembered Bapu and former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, revered freedom fighters and stalwarts of India, both of whom were born on October 2.

Modi on Monday also paid floral tributes to Shastri at Vijay Ghat memorial early in the morning.

President of India Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital on the occasion of 154th Gandhi Jayanti.

“His thoughts were not merely idle musings, but an outcome of his sustained practice. That philosophy which is not made part of life was, according to him, “dry as dust”. Thoughts, words and deeds were of a piece, in his case.” — President Droupadi Murmu pays tribute to Father of…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 2, 2023

Today marks the 154th birth anniversary of Gandhi, hailed as the Father of the Nation, who led India to freedom through the path of non-violence, and continues to be a globally revered figure.

Modi reached Rajghat around 8 am and offered floral petals to the Mahatma's memorial and bowed before it.

An interfaith prayer service was held at Rajghat where Gandhi's favourite devotional songs were also played.

"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 (sic) the agent of change he dreamt of, fostering unity and harmony all over," Modi posted on X on Monday.

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

Several Union ministers and bureaucrats were present on the occasion at Rajghat, situated on the banks of Yamuna.

Modi also hailed Shastri on X, saying his iconic call for 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' resonates even today.

"His unwavering commitment to India's progress and his leadership during challenging times remain exemplary. May we always work to realise his vision for a strong India," he posted.

Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji on his Jayanti. His simplicity, dedication to the nation, and iconic call for 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' resonate even today, inspiring generations. His unwavering commitment to India's progress and his leadership during challenging times remain…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2023

Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid floral tributes to the 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary (October 2) at Rajghat.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

In the morning, Kharge paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation at Rajghat.

Also taking to the micro-blogging site, Rahul Gandhi said: "The path of truth, non-violence and harmony, the path to unite India, was shown by Mahatma Gandhi. Tributes to Bapu on his birth anniversary."

He attached a short video from his Bharat Jodo Yatra and from the lives of Bapu to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi while recalling his contribution to the country.

सत्य, अहिंसा और सौहार्द का रास्ता, भारत को जोड़ने का रास्ता महात्मा गांधी ने ही दिखाया था। बापू को उनकी जयंती पर शत शत नमन। pic.twitter.com/8mNGpSYcP6

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 2, 2023