The Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building, lit up with Mahatma
Gandhi’s image on the occasion of his 152nd birth anniversary on
October 2, Saturday. The world’s tallest structure adorned a picture of Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi, one of the primary leaders of India’s freedom struggle and
called the ‘father of the nation’. Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Gandhi
Jayanti, was celebrated across the world as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Gandhi Jayanti 2021 saw world leaders remember the Mahatma’s
contribution to the idea of bringing about change, social and political, while
abjuring violence. Several events were held in India to mark the occasion.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted: “Hatred,
division and conflict have had their day. It is time to usher in a new era of
peace, trust and tolerance. On this International Day of Non-Violence — Gandhi’s
birthday — let’s heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better
future for all.”

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter, “I bow to
respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. His noble principles are globally relevant
and give strength to millions.” Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tributes
to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

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Gandhi was a great supporter of local governance institutions.
Therefore, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, the Indian prime minister
interacted with gram panchayats and ‘pani samitis’ on the occasion of Gandhi’s
birth anniversary.

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Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also paid his respect to Gandhi. “Homage
to Bapu on #Gandhi Jayanti. It is a special day for all Indians to remember Gandhiji’s
struggles and sacrifice. Let us take a pledge that we will continue to strive
to make India a country of Gandhiji’s drams while adhering to his teachings,
ideals and values.”

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Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu called Mahatma Gandhi universally
revered as an apostle of peace and non-violence and an embodiment of selfless
service, kindness and compassion.