Gandhi Jayanti 2022: Our Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat and his 153rd birth anniversary is on Sunday. Born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, he was a lawyer who rose to prominence after fighting for his rights when he was kicked out of a train in Pietermaritzburg, Africa. He was later named ‘Mahatma’ for the “Great Spirit” spiritual leader and ‘Bapu’. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly, this day is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi Jayanti 2022: History and Significance:
Every year on October 2, a national holiday is observed to honor the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to the nation. Born on October 2, 1869, Mahatma Gandhi adopted non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against colonial British rule. This prompted India to finally achieve its independence in 1947. Known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in ‘Swaraj’ (self-rule) and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) earned him worldwide acclaim. On 15 June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 October as the International Day of Nonviolence. He started Satyagraha and non-violence movement to free India from British rule.
The day honors the “universal importance of the concept of non-violence” with an aim to “secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”. Read also: Gandhi Jayanti: Students of ITI Berhampur made 6 feet tall statue of Bapu from scrap. Picture
Gandhi Jayanti 2022: Celebrations
October 2 is a national holiday celebrated in honor of the freedom fighter. Gandhi’s birth anniversary is celebrated as International Day of Non-Violence. Many events are organized in India and across the world to mark the occasion. The statues of Mahatma Gandhi are decorated with garlands and flowers. The day usually begins by singing Raghupati Raghav, Gandhi’s favorite bhajan. Many cultural programs also take place on this day.