Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the most iconic figure of India’s freedom movement, on his birth anniversary. In a post on X, Modi said the revered Bapu’s life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality would always be an inspiration for the country’s people.
Gandhi, hailed as the father of the nation, steadfastly followed the principles of truth and non-violence, inspiring generations of politicians and activists around the world. Modi also paid homage to India’s second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was also born on this day.
He dedicated his life to the country’s soldiers, farmers and pride, Modi said of Shastri, who raised the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and whose simplicity and honesty earned him wide respect. The prime minister joined President Droupadi Murmu and several other dignitaries in visiting the memorials of Gandhi and Shastri in the national capital this morning to pay homage to them.
Later, Modi attended a cleanliness drive along with some school students to mark the 10th anniversary of Swachhata Bharat campaign, which was launched in 2014 on the birth anniversary of Gandhi, who put a great emphasis on cleanliness all his life. The prime minister urged everyone to be part of such a drive in their surroundings, saying such an initiative will strengthen the resolve for a clean India.