PM Modi pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversary at Rajgath and Vijay Ghat respectively on Sunday morning.

The Prime minister also shared glimpses of Shastri’s gallery in the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in Delhi and urged people to visit the museum.

Gandhi’s birth anniversary is globally observed as the International Day of Non-Violence, underlining his philosophy of non-violence to achieve social or political change. Several events are held in India and across the world to mark the occasion.

 Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 153rd birth anniversary, Modi tweeted, “This Gandhi Jayanti is even more special because India marks Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Maybe always live up to Bapu’s ideals. I also urge you to purchase Khadi and handicrafts products to tribute Gandhi Ji.”

Modi further tweeted: “His ideals reverberate globally and his thoughts have provided strength to millions of people.”

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Gandhi turned the Indian freedom struggle into a non-violent mass movement and urged people from across the country to fight for independence against the British. Gandhi’s call for independence ensured that diverse masses and groups were at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial rule.

This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in ‘Swaraj’ (self-governance) and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) won him accolades across the world.

Regarding, Shashtri, Modi said: “Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji is admired all across India for his simplicity and decisiveness. His tough leadership at a crucial time in our history will always be remembered. Tributes to him on his Jayanti.”

“Today, on Shastri Ji’s Jayanti I am also sharing some glimpses from his gallery in the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in Delhi, which showcases his life journey and accomplishments as PM. Do visit the Museum,” he stated.

Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan.