On 2 October 1869, a great leader, Mahatma Gandhi, was born at Porbandar in Gujarat. He was also regarded as the Father of the Country, and his unforgettable contributions to the fight for freedom were remembered for his goal to create a modern, nonviolent, honest society whose citizens must be treated equally, regardless of gender, religion, color, or caste.
Gandhi Jayanti 2020
On 2 October each year, Gandhi Jayanti is observed. Gandhi Jayanti 2020 is a national holiday in India since it celebrates the nation’s Father’s birthday. This year, India is celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 151st birthday. Gandhi Jayanti is noted as one of the three officials proclaimed National holidays of India in all States and Union Territories (UT) of India.
On 15 June 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) declared that the International Nonviolence Day would take place on 2 October. Gandhi was a nonviolent speaker. A sign of peace and truth is Gandhi.
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Know About Mahatma Gandhi
On 2nd October 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi was born. In the United Kingdom ( UK), he studied law and practiced law in South Africa. He was a political & spiritual leader in India. In the Indian independence movement, he played an important role. He set an example of simple living and high thought in his life. In India, he worked for the betterment of poor people. He had been a pioneer in truth and nonviolence. Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Indian freedom movement Satyagraha (non-violence) movement.
In gaining Independence from British rule for India, Mahatma Gandhi played a major role. He showed to the world that, along the road of total non-violence, freedom can be achieved. His Satyagraha and nonviolence philosophies have until now driven the whole world. India was subsequently liberated by Gandhi on 15 August 1947. He was murdered by Nathuram Godse on 30 January 1948.
On 6 July 1944, Subhash Chandra Bose referred to Gandhi as the “Father of the Country” and on 28 April 1947, during the conference, Sarojini Naidu also referred to Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation.”
Major Ideologies of Mahatama Gandhi are:
- Truth and nonviolence
- Satyagraha
- Sarvodaya
- Swaraj
- Trusteeship
- Swadeshi
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How is Gandhi Jayanthi Celebrated?
People around the world gather here today to remember Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution to India’s fight for independence in their respective towns and cities. Special functions are arranged on these days in schools, other universities, and communities. Despite caste, faith, and lifestyle, people come together to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. Several remembrance services and cultural events take place in a variety of locations where special prayers and meetings are arranged.
The Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi takes place in India and the world. The events are:
- People in many places in India give prayers, remembrance ceremonies, and tributes.
- Other events such as art shows and essay contests are held
- Projects stimulating a nonviolent way of life are honored with prizes.
- On this particular day, there will be films and lectures on the life and accomplishments of Mahatma Gandhi.
- On many statues of Mahatma Gandhi throughout India, flowers and flower garlands are placed.
- Besides, some people do not eat meat or drink alcohol this day.
Celebration in Schools
The schools in India organize numerous activities to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti every year on 2 October. School students participate enthusiastically in the celebrations of the Gandhi Jayanti event. This day is also observed all over the world as the International Day of Peace. Students sing a song based upon Bapu’s message of truth and non-violence. They recite poetry and present Gandhian ideology with their own views. Small kids celebrate this occurrence by dressing up and singing nationalistic songs as well as the Gandhi ji. Students often use banners that illustrate the importance of unity and non-violence in the nation to participate in the rally.
Celebration By The Common Man In India
Throughout India, people hold prayer services, remembrance ceremonies, and tributes. Art exhibits, science, and essay contests will be held. In order to encourage the life of non-violent lives, awards presentations take place. In many places, people sing the popular “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” Bapu devotional song. Garlands of beautiful flowers are arranged by people all over India on the statues of Mahatma Gandhi. On this day, some people avoid meat and alcohol.
Interesting Facts About Mahatama Gandhi
- Mahatma Gandhi’s mother tongue is Gujarati.
- Gandhi was his parents’ youngest child. He had two brothers and one sister.
- Gandhiji did schooling at Alfred High School, Rajkot.
- Gandhi’s personal secretary was Mahadev Desai.
- Like an Irish man, Gandhi spoke English. This is because one of his first teachers of English started in Ireland.
- Famous author Leo Tolstoy and Gandhi have interacted with each other through letters.
- In an area of 1100 acres, Gandhi established a small colony, the Tolstoy Estate. It was situated at 21 miles to his colleagues in the battle for Satyagraha from Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Gandhi struggled not only for freedom but also sought equal treatment for the untouchable, lower caste. In favor of them, he did many fastings. He called untouchable Harijans meaning “Children of God.”
- In 1982, the Academic Award for Best Motion Picture was awarded to Gandhi, an epic historical drama film based on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
- He was named ‘Man of the Year’ by Time Magazine in 1930.
- Mahatma Gandhi has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 5 times.
- Gandhi wrote a letter to Hitler during World War II, addressing him as “Dear Friend” Hitler never wrote back and Gandhi urged him to avoid the war.
Famous Quotes Of Mahatma Gandhi
- You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
- An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
- Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
- Where there is love there is life
- Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.
- In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
- If you don’t ask, you don’t get it.
- The future depends on what we do in the present.
- Action expresses priorities.
- The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
- Hate the sin, love the sinner.
- Nobody can hurt me without my permission.
The contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to bring this world peace and non-violence is unmatched. His lessons must be promoted in the resolution of existing disputes, in the prevention of violence, and in the peaceful solution of all the small or major problems, so that we can live in the world.
Also Read: Indian National Flag Facts For Kids
