Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary, saying that his call for ‘swadeshi’ is the fundamental pillar for a self-reliant India.
“My hundredfold salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. Revered Bapu always laid strong emphasis on Swadeshi, which is also a fundamental pillar of our resolve for a developed and self-reliant India. His personality and deeds will forever continue to inspire the people of the country to walk the path of duty,” PM Modi wrote on X.
In another post, the Prime Minister celebrated Gandhi’s famous principle of non-violence, saying it “holds such power that it can change the world without weapons”.
“Revered Bapu always emphasised non-violence for the protection of humanity. There is such power in it that can change the world without weapons. Ahimsa param dharmast-thahimsa parantpah, ahimsa paramam satyam yato dharmah pravartate (Nonviolence is the ultimate duty, nonviolence is the ultimate austerity. Nonviolence is the ultimate truth, and it advances the cause of righteousness),” he wrote.
Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Gujarat, he was a leading figure in India’s freedom movement. Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse while he was on his way to daily prayers, and succumbed to bullets on January 30, 2026. January 30 is marked as Martyrs’ Day.
Also Read: Martyrs’ Day function at Rajghat; traffic advisory issued
This year, the Centre will hold an all-religious prayer (Sarva-Dharma-Prarthana) and Martyrs’ Day Ceremony, which will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and Rajghat Samadhi Committee Chairman Manohar Lal, at the Rajghat in the national capital.
Others who paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi include senior Minister, JP Nadda, who wrote: “On the sacred death anniversary of the worshipper of humanity, the embodiment of sacrifice and penance, the pioneer of Swadeshi and self-reliance, the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji, I offer him millions of salutations. Revered Bapu, through his ideal and exemplary personality and deeds, spread the message of lifelong truth, non-violence, peace and goodwill across the world. His great thoughts continue to illuminate the path for the countrymen in building a self-reliant and developed India even today. His life philosophy, dedicated to the service of the nation, will forever inspire us to walk on the path of morality, tolerance and service to the people.”
With a commemorative function scheduled for Rajghat, the Delhi Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory in the capital. The event is expected to be attended by several dignitaries, prompting heightened security arrangements and traffic regulation in parts of central Delhi.
According to the advisory, traffic diversions may be implemented on a need basis at key intersections, including ITO Chowk, Delhi Gate, Guru Nanak Chowk, Shantivan Chowk, Rajghat DTC Depot, and the IP Flyover.
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