New Delhi: India observed Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and remembering his enduring message of truth, peace and non-violence.

President Murmu visited Rajghat and attended the Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Gandhi’s memorial to mark his 157th birth anniversary.

In her Gandhi Jayanti message, Murmu said Gandhi’s life and ideals continue to be respected across the world. She said his message of peace and non-violence is especially relevant at a time when conflicts are affecting several parts of the world.

The President also recalled Gandhi’s vision of Sarvodaya, which focuses on the welfare and upliftment of all. She linked the ideal with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, with empathy and inclusion remaining important priorities.

“On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an empowered, developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat through our ethical conduct and active participation,” Murmu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered Gandhi, saying his life continues to guide humanity through the values of truth, non-violence, compassion and service.

Modi shared verses from the Bhagavad Gita and said Gandhi’s timeless message should continue to guide society towards a better future and a Viksit Bharat.

He also recalled Gandhi’s strong belief in Swadeshi and Khadi, urging people to buy at least one Khadi product on October 2 and proudly embrace the idea of Swadeshi.

Modi said Gandhi’s thoughts had inspired people around the world and continued to live on long after his time.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid floral tributes to Gandhi at Rajghat.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi remains one of the most recognised figures associated with India’s freedom movement. Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2 and is also marked by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.

With agency inputs