How people across borders unite on Gandhi Jayanti

October 2, 2020 will mark the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Declared as a national holiday, every year, on this day, people revisit his life, ideologies and teachings and celebrate with ceremonies,  prayer services and cultural events that are held in schools, colleges, local government institutions and other places. 

The Prime Minister and President of India pay their respects on this day at Raj Ghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. The celebrations and acknowledgement are not limited to just India as Gandhiji is a global icon.

Also Read: Gandhi Jayanti 2020: 10 timeless quotes from ‘Bapu’

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence.

Almost every school celebrates Gandhi Jayanti and conducts activities such as art and craft competitions, elocution and debates on topics of national and political significance.

His favourite bhajan ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram’ is played and sung in many places. People also get the chance to see his life on screen as almost all television channels air films on him throughout the day. 

Gandhi Jayanti celebrations unite people of all castes and religions. Gandhiji was known to have fought against the cruel caste system and untouchability.

An advocate of truth and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence), Gandhiji showed people how to fight the colonial oppressors with unity and non-violence as he said, “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising Him.”