Patriotism… is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.- Adlai Stevenson

In today’s time feelings of patriotism, truth and nonviolence have taken a back seat. We only get patriotic and nostalgic about our country when India wins a cricket match.  The materialistic world of ours is facing much trouble because of our selfish needs and desires. The world is in pitiable condition because of so much of violence, bloodshed, bomb blasts, riots, killing of innocent people all over the world.

Somewhere in the bottom of our heart’s we know that what is happening is wrong and there is a need of a revolution like the Gandhian era. There is a need to remember and inculcate in ourselves the feelings of oneness and nonviolence, preached by Mahatama Gandhi. He was a true patriot and a true philanthropist in all sense because he not only thought about India and its people, but also was concerned about the complete humanitarian race.

Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi also known as ‘Father of the Nation’ or ‘Bapu’, was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbander Gujarat. Gandhi ji is the most prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. He believed in ‘ahimsa’ or total non-violence. He initiated many historic events like the famous Dandi Salt March, Civil Disobedience Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement. This concept not only helped India to win Independence but also inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Gandhi is remembered for his lessons on tolerance and respect for humanity.

The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.  It is one of the three national holidays in India.

On this day of Gandhi Jayanti, the President and Prime Minister, along with other political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at New Delhi. A prayer meeting is held at Raj Ghat, representatives from different religions also take part in it.

Various celebrations and programs are organized in Udaipur, mainly at Shastri Circle and Gandhi Smarak at Gulab Bagh to mark the anniversary of our great freedom fighter.

Very few know that 2 October is also the birth anniversary of another great leader and freedom fighter, Lal Bahdur Shastri. He was the second prime minister of republic India.

He is the first person to be posthumously confrere with Bharat Ratna. During the non-cooperation movement of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, he joined processions in defiance of the prohibitory order. Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to encourage the soldiers to defend India and simultaneously to cheer farmers to do their best to increase the production of food grains.

It is a day to remember and pay our tribute to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri , for their valuable contribution in history of Indian Independence.