Gandhi Jayanti is certainly one of the most significant national events of India. This event is celebrated on 2nd October all around India to mark the birth anniversary of the father of Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. This day is annually celebrated as the National holiday with an aim to pay tribute to his preaching and deeds. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was famous among the Indians by the name of “Bapu” as he was close to the public. 2nd October is also acclaimed as the International Day of Non-Violence as declared by the United Nations on 15th of June, 2007. Gandhi Ji was a great expositor and preacher of non-violence. During his struggle and strive for an independent India, he maintained his faith in the path of non-violence and peace. Even today he is memorized as the figure of peace and serenity.
Significance of This Day
The true objective of commemorating Gandhi Jayanti as the International Day of non-violence is to spread out the philosophy and belief of Gandhi Ji in non-violence, peace, and harmony among the people around the world. Born on October 2, 1869, he pertained to a merchant class family. When he was just 24, he went to South Africa with an aim to study Law. In the year 1915, he came back to India and became a member of the Indian National Congress and was soon elected as the president as well. Mahatma Gandhi battled peacefully against the hefty social ills such as caste discrimination, violence, untouchability, etc.
Celebrations Related to Gandhi Jayanti
This day is celebrated with great honor and zeal among each and every place of India. Each year theme-based activities take place to make people aware about his good works and his preachings as well. The celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti comprise recalling his contributions and sacrifices in the movement of Indian Independence. As it is a National holiday, all the schools, offices, colleges, and institutions remain closed on this particular day. However, these institutions tend to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti a day before so that they can distribute the morals and values of great man Mahatma Gandhi. Last year “Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan” a cleanliness drive was started in order to maintain hygiene and neatness in the environment. Students from colleges and schools used to celebrate this day by organizing patriotic drama, reciting poems, singing patriotic songs, delivering speeches, competitions like essay writing, and also active participation in activities like quiz, drawing, painting, etc. At the end of the event, the students are awarded for their performance and hard work.
Role of Mahatma Gandhi in India’s Independence
It is a well-known fact that India’s freedom and Mahatma Gandhi has a strong connection with each other. It was all because of Mahatma Gandhi that India’s movement for freedom caught an International plank. Due to his consistency and sacrifice, he startled such powerful countries in the world. His determination and willpower played a quite relevant role in gaining independence for India. His deeds and practices showed the power of peace and non-violence. He made the world realize that all wars can also be won by peace and sacrifice, without any violence. Some major wins can also be achieved without shedding a single blood drop. He always believed in simple living and high thinking.
Conclusion
Gandhi Jayanti can evoke several positive aspects in our lives. We can learn so many valuable lessons and preachings from Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Gandhi ji was a complete idol in many senses as he was never in favor of alcohol consumption, smoking was a big no in his whole life and he also preached that to others as well. This can be observed by the example of prohibition of alcohol on his birth anniversary for a whole day by the government of India. It is a great day to avoid unhealthy and ill practices like smoking, violence, pollution, uncleanliness, and many more. Youngsters can also learn to be more polite and courteous in order to follow the preachings of the father of the nation. We all must thank him for his sacrifice and efforts that made us free from British rule. On this Gandhi Jayanti, we pay hefty tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.