Gandhi Jayanti on October 2: Messages and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi shared to mark the day

India is celebrating Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. The day marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a key leader of the freedom struggle. Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gandhi Jayanti is observed on this date every year, and it is a national holiday.

The occasion is linked to Gandhi's principles of non-violence, truth, simplicity and peaceful resistance. People across the country remember his contribution to the freedom struggle, as well as his message of peace and harmony. Many mark the day by visiting memorials and attending prayer meetings. It is also common to share Gandhi Jayanti messages, greetings and thoughts with family, friends and colleagues.

Some such messages offer humble greetings to Gandhi as the Father of the Nation, who taught the world non-violence, truth and tolerance. One message says that truth and non-violence are his religion, truth is his god and non-violence is the worship of that god. Another says non-violence is the weapon of the strong, not the weak. One message says: "You can imprison me, you can torture me, you can destroy my body, but you will not be able to imprison my mind."

The greetings speak of drawing daily inspiration from the values of truth, peace and non-violence. Many urge people to choose truth, kindness and non-violence in everyday life, to live with honesty and integrity, and to reflect on values such as simplicity, selflessness and humility. Some salute Bapu, who led India towards freedom by the path of peace. One message describes Gandhi as an advocate of justice and non-violence, a builder of harmony and a preacher of unity.

Among the thoughts being shared in Gandhi's name is: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Another is that non-violence is the greatest force at humanity's disposal, more powerful than the most destructive weapons devised by human ingenuity. He is also quoted as saying that strength comes not from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.

Another thought says the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Another says true happiness comes only when what one thinks, says and does are in harmony. He is also quoted as saying that a person is the product of their thoughts and becomes what they think. Another thought says first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win. Some messages also include lines from Raghupati Raghav Rajaram.