New Delhi: The date of October 2 holds a special place in the history of India, because on this day the country was blessed with two great sons. On Friday, President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary, stressed the relevance of his ideals even today. On this day, the country also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was also born on this date.
As part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, President Murmu reached Rajghat in New Delhi, where he participated in the all-religion prayer meeting organized at Gandhiji’s Samadhi. In his message, the President said that Gandhiji’s life and his ideals still remain worthy of respect throughout the world. He said, “On behalf of all citizens, I pay respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary.”
The message of peace becomes more relevant amid conflict in the world
President Murmu especially emphasized that today when many parts of the world are in the grip of war and conflict, Gandhiji’s message of peace and non-violence has become even more important. He said, “Today, there is an atmosphere of war and conflict in many parts of the world, due to which all the nations are being affected. In these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence becomes even more important.”
The President also linked Gandhiji’s principle of ‘Sarvodaya’ to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He said that in this yatra, priority is being given to empathy and inclusion, so that the benefits of development can reach every citizen of the country. He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reiterate our commitment towards building a strong, developed and self-reliant India through our ethical conduct and active participation.”
PM Modi remembered Bapu’s values
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and remembered the values associated with his life. He said, “Respected Bapu’s entire life is a beacon of truth, non-violence, compassion and service which will continue to guide humanity in every era.” Along with this, he also shared a famous verse from Bhagavad Gita, which gives the message of equanimity and compassion. In another post, the Prime Minister said that Bapu’s eternal message should continue to take the country forward towards a better society and developed India.
May Bapu’s timeless message keep guiding us towards a better society and a Viksit Bharat. #GandhiJayanti pic.twitter.com/nEISzsM37X
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2026
Appeal to adopt Khadi
In one of his video messages, Prime Minister Modi recalled Gandhiji’s emphasis on Swadeshi and Khadi and appealed to the citizens to adopt local products. He urged people to buy at least one Khadi product on 2nd October and proudly said, “This is Swadeshi!” The Prime Minister also said that Gandhiji’s influence was not limited to political power only, but his ideas have inspired people across the world, and this influence will remain as long as humanity exists.
Lal Bahadur Shastri also remembered
On the same day, Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and remembered his simplicity and dedication towards the country. He used Shastri ji’s famous slogans “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” Referring to this, he said that this slogan had filled a new enthusiasm among the farmers and soldiers of the country. Modi said, “See friends, Lal Bahadur Shastri came, he gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ and the farmers of India stood up.” The Prime Minister described Shastri ji as a leader who had a wonderful combination of humility and determination. He said that despite his relatively short tenure, Shastri ji made a very important contribution through his selfless commitment towards the country.
Homage to Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, whose simplicity and dedication to the nation remain deeply inspiring. pic.twitter.com/edMiRdsf0v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2026
Why is the date of October 2 special?
2 October marks the birth anniversary of two great figures of public life of India. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, while Lal Bahadur Shastri was also born on the same date, but in 1904. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on this day every year in India. Interestingly, the United Nations also celebrates October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, making the importance of this date extend beyond the borders of India. This year in the celebrations of 2026, while on one hand Gandhiji’s principles of truth, non-violence and service were remembered, on the other hand Shastri ji’s simplicity and his “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” Tribute was also paid to the timeless message of.