New Delhgi: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to two of India’s most revered leaders, pledging to uphold their ideals in India’s journey toward becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Modi called Mahatma Gandhi’s life an enduring symbol of simplicity and courage, stating that his values reshaped human history. “Gandhi Jayanti is a day to pay tribute to the extraordinary life of our beloved Bapu,” he wrote. “He showed how courage and simplicity can become instruments of great change.”
Highlighting Gandhi’s belief in service and compassion, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to walk the path shown by the Father of the Nation. He emphasized that these values are central to empowering people and transforming the country.
Modi also saluted Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, hailing him as a figure of “honesty, humility, and resolve.” Referring to Shastri’s iconic slogan, the Prime Minister said, “His call of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ ignited a spirit of patriotism across the nation and continues to inspire our mission of building a strong, self-reliant India.”
Both leaders, Modi noted, championed the idea of Swadeshi, which remains a cornerstone of his administration’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision. Purchasing and promoting Indian-made products, he said, is one of the most meaningful ways to honor their legacy.
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Gujarat, led India’s freedom movement through non-violence and truth. His philosophy gained global recognition, influencing civil rights movements across continents. Lal Bahadur Shastri, born on the same day in 1904 in Uttar Pradesh, became Prime Minister in 1964 and was known for his decisive leadership during the 1965 India-Pakistan war and his deep commitment to national integrity.
As the nation marked the shared anniversaries, ceremonies and memorials took place across India, with political leaders, students, and citizens paying respects to the two iconic figures who helped shape modern India.
