Blog: Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday: 2nd October

The birth of Gandhi Jayanti or Mahatma Gandhi (2nd October 1869 to 30th January 30 1948) is a national holiday in India. Gandhi is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ and his ideology of non-violence or “Satyagraha” continues to influence political leaders, and even the UN.

At Raj Ghat in Delhi and across India, people gather to observe Gandhi in various ways that include offering flowers to his picture and statues. As a tribute to this great soul, the Indian government mint rupee notes and issue postage stamp depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s photo.

This year, is response to the international outcry against plastic, the Indian government dedicated a ‘Cleanliness Drive’ to the Father of the Nation because cleanliness was very dear to Mahatma Gandhi. For a period of 17 days (15th Sep to 2nd Oct’18) people from all walks of life in India were invited to participate in ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Movement’ (meaning “Cleanliness is the biggest service”). All NGOs, schools, colleges, social, cultural and political leaders, corporates, government officials, collectors and village heads came forward to contribute. This is all part of the larger ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ (meaning – “Clean India Mission”) which is an ongoing effort.