Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India celebrated on 2nd
October. This day is celebrated in the honor of the birthday of the
Father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as
Mahatma Gandhi or Bapuji. Internationally this day is celebrated as the
International Day of Non-Violence as Gandhiji was the preacher of
non-violence. He is a symbol of peace and truth.
Gandhiji
was born on 2nd October 1869, in Porbunder, a small town in Gujarat. He
studied law in U.K and practiced law in South Africa. In his
autobiography “My experiments with Truth” Gandhiji described his
childhood and teen age years, his marriage with Kasturba at the age of
13 and a sheer dedication for his mother land. He has set an example of
simple living and high thinking. He was against the addictions like
smoking, drinking and non-vegetarianism.
Gandhiji was a
pioneer of truth and non-violence. He started the 'Satyagraha'
(non-violence) movement for the Indian freedom struggle. He played a
very significant role in achieving independence for India from British
rule. He proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the
path of total non-violence.
All the organizations
throughout the country remain closed on this day. Special event is
organized at Raj Ghat, New Delhi where Gandhiji was cremated. People do
prayers, pay homage and sing Gandhiji’s favorite song “Raghupati Raghav
Raja Ram, Patit Pavan Sita Ram …”.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
-By Mahatma Gandhi
