Gandhi Jayanti: Why the whole nation celebrates it?
Gandhi
Jayanti is celebrated all over India on October 2 to remember the birthday of
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi well renowned as Gandhi and Bapu. He was born on 2nd
October 1869 and is known as the Father of the Nation. Throughout his life he
always followed the principles of truth, non violence, honesty and believed in
simple living. He had a valuable contribution in India’s freedom struggle. At
Raj Ghat in New Delhi, where he was cremated, the prayer meetings are held on
this day which is attended by Prime Minister, President of India and other
dignitaries. The whole nation remembered him on this day.
Significance of Gandhi Jayanti
Mahatma
Gandhi was born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on 2nd October, 1869 in
Porbandar, a coastal town in Gujarat. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, belonged
to the Hindu Modh community while his mother, Putlibai, came from the Hindu
Pranami Vaishnava community. His mother was Karamchand’s fourth wife, the former three wives died at the time of
childbirth. Gandhi attended middle school in Porbandar and high school in
Rajkot. He studied law in United Kingdom and went ahead to South Africa to
practice as a lawyer. However, he left his practice and returned to India due
to his love for his country and to fight for the freedom of his people.
Gandhi
became a keen political leader and fought for the nation. His characteristic of
getting identified separately from the mass made him popular among the Indians
and British as well. To express his protests against the tax on salt, he
undertook the Salt March from Ahmadabad to Dandi covering a total distance of
388 kilometres. He even founded the philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) and
truth (Satyagraha). Gandhi had a heart of courage and spirit of the unafraid.
He had been imprisoned on several accounts during the freedom struggle.
Despite
the hurdles and difficulties, Gandhi went ahead and played a significant role
in making India an independent country. He even announced a fast of 21 days for
the cause of “Harijans.” His “Quit India” slogan proved a final signal for the
British dominion in India. Gandhi’s teachings and
practice are invaluable for the country and are largely used in providing
peaceful solutions to problems and in solving current conflicts. Gandhi’s birthday is celebrated in his remembrance by the whole
nation. His high thinking, simple living and strong willpower made him a
revered leader of India.
The
President and the Prime Minister of India, along with other political leaders,
pay homage at Raj Ghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. To honour
Gandhi's respect for all religions and communities, representatives from
different religions take part in the prayer meeting held at Raj Ghat. Prayers
and Verses are read out from Holy books of all religions. Mahatma Gandhi's
favourite song 'Raghupati Raghava'
is customarily sung at all meetings associated with him.
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration in Schools
Grand
celebration events are organized by the major schools in India to celebrate the
Gandhi Jayanti at 2nd of October every year. Students of
schools enthusiastically take part in the Gandhi Jayanti event celebrations.
Gandhi Jayanti, a birthday anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi is also celebrated
as the International Peace Day all across the world. Students sing a song based
on the truth and non violence message of Bapu, recite poems and present their
own sights on the Gandhian philosophy by the speeches and recitations.
Small
children celebrate this event by dressing up same as the Gandhi Ji as well as
performing the nationalistic songs. Students also take part in the rally using
banners which conveys the significance of peace and non-violence throughout the
country. In the end of the celebration, students and teachers take a pledge.
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