Nation Remembers Mahatma Gandhi on 78th Martyrdom Day
The nation came together on Thursday to commemorate the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, with leaders from across the political spectrum paying heartfelt tributes at Rajghat in New Delhi and other memorial sites.
National Leaders Lead Tributes at Rajghat
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan gathered at the iconic Rajghat memorial to offer floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. The solemn ceremony marked the anniversary of that fateful day in 1948 when Gandhi was assassinated while on his way to a prayer meeting at Birla Bhawan in Delhi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also joined the gathering, standing in silent remembrance of the leader who championed India's nonviolent freedom struggle.
Political Leaders Reflect on Gandhi's Enduring Legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to express his reverence, writing: "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."
The Prime Minister further noted that Gandhi's personality and deeds would continue to inspire generations of Indians to walk the path of duty and service to the nation.
Opposition Leaders Join in Remembrance
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi offered what he described as "humble tributes" to the Mahatma, describing him not merely as a man but as an enduring thought that could never be erased from India's consciousness.
"Mahatma Gandhi is not a man, but a thought—that thought which an empire once tried, a hateful ideology once tried, and an arrogant power once tried, to erase, all in vain," the Congress leader wrote on X.
He emphasized that Gandhi had given the nation the fundamental mantra that "the power of truth is greater than the might of power—and that non-violence and courage are greater than violence and fear."
Nationwide Commemorations
Beyond the national capital, commemorations took place across the country. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, Congress leaders including K C Venugopal and Shashi Tharoor attended a remembrance ceremony at Indira Bhavan, organized to honor Gandhi's memory and principles.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid homage to Gandhi, highlighting the contemporary relevance of his ideals. "His enduring principles of commitment to truth, non-violence and respect for human dignity are more relevant than ever," he wrote on social media.
State Leaders Participate in Tributes
Several state chief ministers joined the nationwide remembrance. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak all paid floral tributes to Gandhi, underscoring the cross-regional respect for his legacy.
January 30th continues to be observed as Martyr's Day across India, serving not only as a remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi but also as a day to honor all those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom and integrity.
The widespread participation of leaders from diverse political backgrounds in Thursday's commemorations demonstrated the enduring unity in reverence for Gandhi's principles of truth, non-violence, and service to humanity.
