New Delhi, October 2, 2026: The nation is observing the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri today, with leaders and citizens paying tribute to the two prominent figures associated with India’s freedom movement and public life.
Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary is being observed as Gandhi Jayanti. A Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha was held at Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu participated and paid floral tributes. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister Manohar Lal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid their respects at Rajghat.
Leaders Pay Tribute at Rajghat
The national observance focused on remembering Gandhi’s principles and contribution to India’s freedom movement. President Murmu said that Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence remains relevant, particularly amid conflicts in different parts of the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid floral tributes at Rajghat. In a message marking the occasion, he recalled Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, compassion and service.
Across the country, various programmes and activities are being organised to mark Gandhi Jayanti, while Indian missions abroad are also observing the occasion.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Remembered on 122nd Birth Anniversary
The country is also observing the 122nd birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, now known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar.
Shastri became associated with the freedom movement as a young man and participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921. After Independence, he served in several important positions in Uttar Pradesh before taking on key responsibilities in the Union Government.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid tribute to Shastri at Vijay Ghat in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi, in his message, recalled Shastri’s simplicity and dedication to the nation, describing these qualities as continuing sources of inspiration.
Remembering Two Important National Figures
October 2 brings together the birth anniversaries of two leaders who played significant roles at different stages of India’s national journey.
Gandhi’s public life is closely associated with truth, non-violence, self-reliance and mass participation in the freedom movement. Shastri, who served as India’s second Prime Minister, is remembered for his simple public life and the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” which highlighted the contribution of soldiers and farmers.
The day is therefore being marked through tributes, prayer meetings and public programmes across India, as the nation recalls the contributions and ideals associated with both leaders.
