Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Date, History, Significance, And Quotes

Gandhi Jayanti Date

Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2nd, and in 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday. This day is not only a national holiday in India but also commemorated globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, as declared by the United Nations in 2007. The world takes this occasion to reflect on Gandhi's teachings and the importance of non-violence in resolving conflicts.

Gandhi Jayanti History

According to the Embassy of India, Berne, “On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a 3-storey blue haveli in the city of Porbandar, where his father, uncle, and grandfather had all been prime ministers to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state. The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti Mandir, has been converted into a small museum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions, and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice.”

His life is a remarkable example of leadership through peace and simplicity. He spearheaded several key movements for India’s independence, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement, all based on his philosophy of "Satyagraha" (truth and non-violence).

Gandhi’s ideals of non-violent resistance inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom, influencing prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and others who fought against oppression through peaceful methods. Since India gained independence in 1947, October 2nd has been celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, remembering his relentless efforts to free India from British rule without resorting to violence.

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Significance of Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti holds immense significance, not only for India but for the entire world. It is a day to celebrate the values that Gandhi lived by: truth, peace, and non-violence. His commitment to equality, social justice, and human dignity laid the foundation for modern India and continues to resonate in global peace-building efforts.

On this day, various activities are organised across India, including prayer meetings at Raj Ghat (his memorial in Delhi), community service initiatives, cleanliness drives, and discussions on Gandhian values. Schools, colleges, and institutions hold events to educate the younger generation about his contributions and ideals.

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Gandhi Jayanti Quotes

Mahatma Gandhi’s words continue to inspire millions. Here are some of his most iconic quotes by him:

Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“Where there is love there is life.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“God has no religion.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment” - Mahatma Gandhi

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