Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 156th birth anniversary and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to walking the path shown by Bapu to build a developed and self-reliant India.
In a post on X, Modi wrote:
“Gandhi Jayanti is about paying homage to the extraordinary life of beloved Bapu, whose ideals transformed the course of human history. He demonstrated how courage and simplicity could become instruments of great change.”
The Prime Minister said Gandhi believed deeply in the power of service and compassion as essential means of empowering people, values that continue to inspire India’s governance model.
Tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri
Modi also paid homage to India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was born on this day in 1904. Hailing him as an extraordinary statesman, Modi said Shastri’s integrity, humility, and determination strengthened the nation during a crucial phase of its history.
“He personified exemplary leadership, strength and decisive action. His clarion call of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ ignited a spirit of patriotism among our people. He continues to motivate us in the endeavour of building a strong and self-reliant India,” Modi said.
Call for Swadeshi
Emphasizing the spirit of swadeshi, Modi urged citizens to prefer products made in India, calling it a true tribute to both Gandhi and Shastri.
“Swadeshi is the foundation of a self-reliant and developed India,” he said.
Remembering Two Icons
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Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948): Born in Gujarat, Gandhi led India’s freedom movement through the principles of truth and non-violence, inspiring global movements for civil rights and justice.
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Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904–1966): Born in Uttar Pradesh, Shastri became Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru’s death in 1964. His brief but impactful tenure included the 1965 war with Pakistan and the historic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, cementing his legacy as a leader of honesty and resolve.
