02 October,2026 11:10 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, recalling his emphasis on truth, non-violence, simplicity and Swadeshi and saying his message would continue to guide society.
In a post on X, PM Modi said Gandhi's ideals remained relevant and expressed hope that his message would continue to inspire the country towards building a better society and a Viksit Bharat.
"May Bapu's timeless message keep guiding us towards a better society and a Viksit Bharat," the Prime Minister said.
In a video message marking Gandhi Jayanti, Modi said October 2 had a special significance for the country and highlighted the influence of Gandhi's ideas beyond India.
"The importance of October 2 is well known to every child of our nation. The ideology of Mahatma Gandhi has inspired the entire world. Mahatma Gandhi was such a person who remained distant from power, yet today he continues to rule the hearts of crores of people," PM Modi said.
He said Gandhi's thoughts would continue to have relevance as long as they remained influential among people.
"I believe that as long as the impact of Gandhi Ji's ideology remains with humankind, its inspiration and relevance will continue to remain among us," he said.
Modi also referred to Gandhi's promotion of Swadeshi and Khadi, urging people to purchase Khadi products as part of the Gandhi Jayanti observance.
"Gandhi Ji always promoted Swadeshi, and Khadi was one of its most prominent symbols. I would request you all to buy any Khadi product on October 2 and proudly say, âThis is Swadeshi'," he said.
In another post, Modi described Gandhi's life as an example of values including truth, non-violence, compassion and service.
"The entire life of revered Bapu is a beacon of truth, non-violence, compassion, and service that will continue to pave the way for humanity in every era," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to Gandhi on his birth anniversary and extended greetings to people on the International Day of Non-Violence.
In a post on X, Adityanath said Gandhi followed the principles of truth and non-violence and used indigenous methods and non-violent resistance to communicate the message of India's freedom struggle to the world.
He said Gandhi's ideals, simplicity and thoughts continued to provide guidance in efforts towards a self-reliant and Viksit Bharat.
Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who played a prominent role in India's freedom movement.
The day is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence. The United Nations General Assembly designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007, recognising Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and its broader relevance.
Across India, Gandhi Jayanti is marked through commemorative events and programmes highlighting his emphasis on non-violence, truth, cleanliness, self-reliance and social responsibility.
