New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary at Raj Ghat. Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, PM Modi said Bapu's principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions.
"Tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. I bow to respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. The life and ideals of Pujya Bapu will continue to inspire every generation of the country to walk on the path of duty. His noble principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions," he tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on Saturday.
Paying tribute to Bapu, President Kovind asked people to take pledge to strive for making India a country of his dreams. "Homage to Bapu on #GandhiJayanti. 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 for making India a country of Gandhiji's dreams while adhering to his teachings, ideals and values," said Kovind in a tweet today.
"My respectful tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji on his birth anniversary today. Universally revered as an apostle of peace and non-violence Gandhiji was an embodiment of selfless service, kindness and compassion," tweeted Vice President of India.
Leaders across the political spectrum, including Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also paid homage to the father of the nation at Raj Ghat.
Read: Rajkot school where Gandhi studied is now a world-class museum
Paying homage to the father of nation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Gandhi's ideas of Swadeshi, Swabhasha and Swaraj will continue to inspire the countrymen for a long time. "The great life of Mahatma Gandhi was like a continuous national sacrifice, which inspired the whole world to walk on the path of peace and non-violence. Gandhiji's ideas of Swadeshi, Swabhasha and Swaraj will continue to inspire the countrymen for a long time. Tribute to him on Gandhi Jayanti," Shah tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "I bow to Pujya Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. A towering personality blessed with tremendous willpower and immense wisdom, he provided exemplary leadership to India's freedom movement. Let us rededicate ourselves to 'Swachchta and Atmanirbharbharta' on his jayanti."
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary and wished all the countrymen on the occasion.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya paid homage saying, "Tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi ji on his birth anniversary, who showed the way of life with the principles of truth and non-violence. His teachings, thoughts and determination towards social harmony is an inspiration for all of us."
A prayer meeting was held at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on the occasion of Bapuji's birth anniversary.
Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience.
Read: How Sevagram became the epicentre of India's freedom struggle
This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in 'Swaraj' (self-governance) and 'Ahimsa' (non-violence) won him accolades across the world.
Globally, Gandhi's birth anniversary is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. Several events were held in India and across the world to mark the occasion.
ANI
