Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed reverence for Mahatma Gandhi’s Punya Tithi, stating, “I offer my respects to Revered Bapu on his Punya Tithi. I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred for our nation. Their sacrifices inspire us to serve the people and fulfill their vision for our nation.”
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, played a pivotal role in India’s fight for independence, employing nonviolent resistance against British rule. The honorific Mahātmā, meaning ‘great-souled’ in Sanskrit, was aptly bestowed upon him.
Raised in coastal Gujarat, Gandhi studied law in London, later moving to South Africa where he began his journey of nonviolent resistance. Returning to India in 1915, he spearheaded campaigns for civil rights, swaraj (self-rule), and social reforms. Leading the Indian National Congress, he advocated for poverty alleviation, women’s rights, and religious harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to simplicity and nonviolence manifested in actions like the Dandi Salt March and fasting for political protest. However, his vision for a religiously pluralistic India faced challenges during the partition in 1947. Despite independence, religious violence erupted, and Gandhi undertook hunger strikes to quell the unrest.
Tragically, on January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist. Gandhi’s legacy endures globally, with his birthday celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and recognized internationally as the Day of Nonviolence. His enduring title, “Bapu,” reflects the deep respect and affection the nation holds for him as the Father of the Nation.
