On October 2nd, India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the revered Father of the Nation. This day, known as Gandhi Jayanti, is a national holiday dedicated to honoring the man who dedicated his life to India’s struggle for independence and whose philosophies continue to inspire generations worldwide.
Born in Porbandar in 1869, Gandhi emerged as a powerful voice for peace and non-violence. He championed the principles of Satyagraha (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence), leading the Indian people in their fight against British colonial rule. His unwavering belief in peaceful resistance and his unwavering commitment to truth resonated deeply with millions, making him a global icon for peace and justice.
Beyond his role in India’s independence, Gandhi’s teachings have profoundly impacted the world. He was a political ethicist, a nationalist, and a lawyer, but more importantly, he was a humanitarian whose vision for a world free from oppression and violence continues to inspire social movements and activists today.
The title ‘Mahatma,’ meaning ‘high-souled,’ was bestowed upon him by the renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, recognizing the depth of his spirit and the transformative impact of his work. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in honor of Gandhi’s principles, a testament to his global influence.
Gandhi’s birthday also shares a date with Lal Bahadur Shastri, a prominent Indian politician and Prime Minister who was born in 1904.
Here are some of Mahatma Gandhi’s most insightful quotes on life, forgiveness, and freedom:
* “To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.”
* “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
* “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
* “Democracy necessarily means a conflict of will and ideas, involving sometimes a war of the knife between different ideas.”
* “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
* “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
* “Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.”
* “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
* “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
* “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
As we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, let us reflect on his teachings and strive to embody his principles of truth, non-violence, and service to others. His life serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the power of peace and non-violence can prevail.
