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Gandhi Jayanti 2024: History, significance, facts and all you need to know to honour the legacy of Bapu on October 2

Published on: Oct 1, 2024, 11:38:51 IST
Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Getty Images)
Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Getty Images)
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Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2. Worldwide, the day is marked as International Day of Non-Violence.

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: The annual Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. On this day, we commemorate Gandhi's message of non-violence and upholding the truth. This year, India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Bapu. In India, October 2 is recognised as a national holiday, and across the world, it is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.

(Also Read | Gandhi Jayanti: 10 quotes by Bapu on education to inspire you)

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: history and significance

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He played a crucial role in the country's independence struggle and helped India achieve its freedom by leading non-violent protests against British rule. India achieved its independence in 1947 due to his efforts and those of countless other freedom fighters. His philosophy, which inspired many around the globe, was known as Satyagraha (truth and non-violence).

Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru during the All India Conference Committee Session, 1942. (Bettmann Archive)

In 1948, after Mahatma Gandhi's death, Gandhi Jayanti became a national holiday. The day is observed not only to honour his life but also to promote the ideas of peace and harmony.

Gandhi Jayanti celebrations include cultural programmes and remembrance ceremonies. On October 2, the Prime Minister, President and other dignitaries visit Raj Ghant in New Delhi to offer their tributes. Many schools and educational institutions conduct cultural programmes where students sing Bapu's favourite bhajan - Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. Debates, film screenings, and fancy dress competitions also take place.

Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award.

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: facts about Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi's principle of non-violence was not limited to physical acts. It also included thoughts and words.

Gandhi led a simple life, often making his own clothes, cleaning his surroundings, and urging others to adopt the same lifestyle.

Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award.

The United Nations declared Gandhi's birthday, October 2, the International Day of Non-violence in 2007.

Time Magazine named Mahatma Gandhi Person of the Year in 1930.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya

Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.

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