Full Breakdown
Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Birth Anniversary Marked by Nationwide Tributes
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Observances (October 2, 2026)
On Friday, October 2, 2026, India marked the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 122nd of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a floral tribute at Rajghat, attended the inter-faith Sarva-Dharma Prarthana gathering, and then proceeded to Vijay Ghat to honour Shastri. President Droupadi Murmu posted on X, linking Gandhi’s relevance to the nation’s “Viksit Bharat by 2047” goal.
Senior officials at Rajghat included Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. In Jaipur, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma observed the day at the Rajasthan Secretariat.
Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge joined the ceremony, while Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal posted a tribute that combined reverence for Gandhi with criticism of the government’s handling of dissent.
Background & Context
Gandhi (born 1869, Porbandar) is celebrated for leading India’s freedom movement through non-violence; the UN observes his birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence. Shastri (born 1904, Mughalsarai) served as Prime Minister from 1964-66 and is remembered for the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
Official Statements & Responses
President Murmu’s X message said Gandhi’s ideals are “widely respected across the world” and increasingly relevant amid global conflict.
Prime Minister Modi’s video message urged every Indian to purchase at least one Khadi product, recalled Shastri’s “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” mantra and described Shastri’s humility as “deeply inspiring.”
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy announced a nationwide cleanliness drive running from October 2 to October 31.
Criticism & Opposition
K. C. Venugopal praised Gandhi’s “commitment to truth and non-violence” but alleged those values are “under sustained strain” under the current administration.
Data & Statistics
- Leaders present at Rajghat: Narendra Modi, Droupadi Murmu (via X), C. P. Radhakrishnan, Om Birla, Manohar Lal Khattar, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Rekha Gupta, Bhajan Lal Sharma.
- Opposition participants: Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, K. C. Venugopal.
- Cleanliness drive: October 2 – October 31 (scheduled).
Verbatim Quotes
- “Revered Bapu’s entire life is a beacon of truth, non-violence, compassion and service that will continue to guide humanity in every era,” — PM Modi
- “May Bapu’s timeless message keep guiding us towards a better society and a Viksit Bharat.” — PM Modi
- “And see, friends, Lal Bahadur Shastri came, gave the mantra of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer), and India's farmers rose to the occasion," PM Modi said.” — PM Modi
What’s Next
The cleanliness initiative announced by Minister Reddy is set to conclude on October 31, 2026.