New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) Rich tributes were paid to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries on Friday.
Various functions were organized across the country and abroad to mark the occasion. Centre and State governments launched a number of welfare schemes to commemorate the birth anniversaries of the two leaders.
The main function was held at Rajghat in the national capital where a host of dignitaries including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. An all religion prayer meeting was also organized at Rajghat this morning, where Bapu’s favourite bhajans were recited.
Mahatma Gandhi's Birth Anniversary is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.
President Kovind appealed to the people to resolve to re-dedicate themselves to the welfare and progress of the nation. He also appealed people to follow the Mantra of truth and non-violence, and build a clean, capable, strong and prosperous India and make Mahatma Gandhiji’s dreams come true.
In a tweet, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said, Bapu, through his life and teachings showed people the path of truth, love and selfless service to mankind. He said, Mahatma Gandhi's idea of Antyodaya guides us to work for the uplift of the last person.
Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister said, we bow to beloved Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. He said, there is much to learn from his life and noble thoughts. The Prime Minister hoped that Bapu’s ideals will keep guiding us in creating a prosperous and compassionate India.
Parliamentarians also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of Congress were among those paid homage to the two leaders in the Central Hall of Parliament House.
Prime Minister also visited Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Samadhi - Vijay Ghat to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who coined the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
In a tweet, President Kovind said, a great son of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri served the nation with exceptional dedication. He said, Lal Bahadur Shastri's fundamental role in the Green Revolution, the White Revolution and his wartime leadership continues to inspire the nation.
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was an epitome of simplicity, humility and wisdom. Mr Naidu said, he steered the nation through critical times with his exemplary leadership. He said, Shastri Ji's clarion call of 'Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan' energized an entire nation to fight internal and external threats faced by the nation.
In his homage, Mr Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji was humble and firm. He said, Shastri Ji epitomized simplicity and lived for the welfare of our nation. The Prime Minister said, we remember him on his Jayanti with a deep sense of gratitude for everything he has done for India.
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