Every year on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, the day that signifies Mahatma Gandhi's birth, the leader who was significantly instrumental in bringing about India's independence through his principles and methods, is celebrated. In 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi was born. He was the world-famous seeker of non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (satya). In India, this day is celebrated as a national holiday, and the International Day of Non-Violence is also an international recognition of this day.
A large number of activities are conducted by schools and educational institutions as well as government organizations to pay homage to Gandhiji on Gandhi Jayanti. Prayer meetings, essay and poster competitions, and cultural programs are part of these festivals that celebrate his words and give a brief idea of the life of Gandhi. In addition, several people also get involved in the campaigns of cleanliness, and thereby the emphasis on sanitation and social responsibility given by Gandhi, the concept he put forth through the Swachh Bharat Movement, is witnessed.
It is not, however, that the day was only to be celebrated; it also highlighted the importance of the philosophy of Gandhi. The method of peaceful resistance, as laid down by Gandhi, became the source of inspiration for various struggles for human rights and freedom in different parts of the globe, among which were the cases before Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
Understanding the development of India, his thoughts of self-reliance, rural development, and simplicity are still very much alive and have become a source to instill the virtues of ethical living and social responsibility among the dwellers.
Gandhi Jayanti is a very powerful expression to the world of the truthfulness of Gandhi's words about non-violence and the strength of conscience. Statues and memorials such as Raj Ghat, New Delhi, where Gandhi was cremated, are visited. By going through Gandhi’s philosophies, India pays tribute to the great leader of the Father of the Nation, who, through his foresight and teachings, continues to kindle the flame of idealism in the hearts of new generations.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge moved an impeachment resolution against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during an INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on 31 October 2026. Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indira Gandhi, Kharge alleged that the universal adult franchise guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution faces severe peril. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of orchestrating vote theft by deleting legitimate voters and manipulating the Special Intensive Revision process. Presenting six specific charges on behalf of the INDIA alliance, Kharge stated that "the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Ganesh Kumar, Gyanesh Kumar, must be tried for treason in a court of law in accordance with the legal framework of the Constitution of India." He highlighted the arbitrary removal of approximately 14 crore voters, unlawful amendments to voter registration forms, exclusion of fellow election commissioners, and undue protection granted under the 2023 CEC Act, demanding Gyanesh Kumar's immediate removal.
A major political controversy erupted after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a personal remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Patna, Bihar. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating former Bihar Chief Minister Sri Krishna Singh at Bapu Sabhagar, Kharge was addressing allegations of electoral fraud when a member of the audience interjected to say that Modi would not go anywhere. In response, Kharge retaliated by stating that even Modi's father would go. The comment drew sharp criticism from the National Democratic Alliance, including the BJP and JD(U). Reacting to the remark, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh condemned the Congress chief, asserting that the opposition party has lost its balance and has repeatedly resorted to foul language against the Prime Minister because the public is not supporting their narrative.
Mahatma Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary was commemorated globally as Indian diplomatic missions, diplomats, and diaspora members held events celebrating his message of peace, truth, and nonviolence. Tributes featuring floral offerings, music, and discussions on Gandhian values took place across Beijing, Tokyo, Islamabad, Kathmandu, Canberra, and Wellington. In Beijing, Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami joined the Indian community at the Jintai Art Museum, while ceremonies in Japan were held at Gandhi's statue in Edogawa. Commemorations spanning Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond highlighted ideals of service, harmony, and nonviolence, demonstrating the continuing global resonance of India's enduring message.
Indian Youth Congress workers staged a demonstration from Jantar Mantar to Raisina Road in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti, marching towards the Election Commission. Protesters wore black skeleton dresses and displayed election cards to highlight allegations of stolen votes. Led by Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu, demonstrators raised slogans against issues including 'Vote Chori', 'Kanun Chori', and examination paper leaks. The agitation followed directives from Rahul Gandhi to party wings across districts and states to intensify protests against these electoral and systemic grievances.
Two opposing demonstrations took place at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Gandhi Jayanti over demands linked to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Citizens Justice Party, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, organised a protest seeking Kumar’s resignation, a freeze on the 2025 electoral rolls and transparency in the appointment of future election chiefs. The gathering drew youths, first-time voters, celebrities and public figures, with protesters carrying the national flag and placards. A counter-protest was also held at the venue, with participants accusing the organisers of selective outrage. Heavy security was deployed as further protests were planned.
A protest organised by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) took place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti, drawing youth participation and public figures, including music composer Vishal Dadlani, Abhijeet Dipke, Saurabh Das, and Ashutosh Ranka. Demonstrators gathered to raise voices in defence of constitutional values, democratic rights, and the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and Jawaharlal Nehru. Speakers at the rally invoked Gandhi's principles of peaceful resistance and asserted that India's foundation rests on ideological sacrifice, universal franchise, and fundamental rights. Protesters addressed several issues, criticising government policies, administrative functioning, demonetisation, and public management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demonstration focused on youth mobilisation in Maharashtra, contrasting with previous demonstrations held in Delhi, and underscored the continuation of citizen-led movements to safeguard civil liberties.
Two opposing demonstrations broke out at Shivaji Park in Mumbai as protesters gathered to demand the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. One demonstration, supported by opposition parties, saw the participation of celebrities and public figures standing in solidarity to assert constitutional rights on Gandhi Jayanti. Concurrently, a counter-demonstration emerged at the same venue targeting the organizers over alleged selective outrage. Broadcaster reports highlighted the simultaneous protests unfolding live at the park, with participants asserting their right to question government decisions while opposing groups voiced their dissent at the location.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, praising his immense courage, presence of mind, and quick decision-making under severe duress to save hundreds of lives. Acknowledging that the pilot battled life-threatening injuries, PM Modi stated that the entire country felt immense pride in his actions, noting that people across India were offering prayers for his long life and swift recovery. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Saudi Arabian and UAE authorities for providing high-quality medical care, while reassuring the captain that he is merely a phone call away if any support is needed. During the interaction, Captain Smit reflected on the harrowing mid-air ordeal, recalling how he pushed past debilitating wounds to open the cockpit door and chant the Hanuman Chalisa for mental strength. The discussion also referenced conversations with his parents, Bhupendra and Gita, and wife, Sonal, commending the family's fortitude and enduring cultural values.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. Accompanied by Union ministers, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and foreign ambassadors, the Prime Minister offered floral tributes as devotional bhajans, including Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, were performed. Dignitaries observed a moment of silence to honour the father of the nation, while short speeches highlighted principles of non-violence and national unity. The broadcast noted that October 2nd is recognised globally as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations. In addition to Gandhi Jayanti commemorations, tributes were recalled for former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, known for the slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. Across the national capital, diverse events including exhibitions, cultural presentations at Red Fort, and a Gurbani Sangeet programme were scheduled to commemorate the occasion.
In an interview with India Today, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka declared plans to launch an agitation starting Gandhi Jayanti if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign. Highlighting concerns from ground visits in Rajasthan, Ranka remarked, "It is a rigged game," asserting that citizens feel elections are compromised. He emphasized that genuine democratic change is blocked when election integrity is compromised, calling for structural fixes within the Election Commission. Ranka addressed questions regarding alliances with opposition parties, noting that multiple civil society groups and political forces are speaking in unison on the issue. Questioning why ruling party spokespersons defend the Election Commission instead of the commissioners clarifying reports themselves, Ranka warned that street demonstrations will begin from October 2. He claimed that an estimated 13 crore citizens have had their voter records deleted without transparency.
This special report revisits a historic speech by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the monumental task of unifying India after the departure of the British. He reflects on the critical juncture when the future of the nation hung in the balance, stating, ‘At that time, what would happen to the country, whether it would remain one or be broken into pieces, was a matter of different opinions and great anxiety for many.’ The speech highlights Patel's appreciation for the princely states ('raja maharaja') that demonstrated patriotism and supported the Government of India, contributing to a unity the country had not seen for centuries. He expresses his firm belief that by following the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, India can achieve its rightful and high place in the world.
A demolition drive is underway in Sambhal against a structure in the Asmoli Police Station area, identified as the Rai Buzurg Mosque. The action, conducted on Gandhi Jayanti, follows a court order for demolition issued one month prior.
A statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London has been vandalized. The plinth of the iconic statue, which shows the father of the nation in a meditative pose, was discovered with graffiti. This incident occurred just days before the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations scheduled to be held at the same site on October 2nd. The High Commission of India has strongly condemned the incident, with the Indian Mission stating it "strongly condemns the violent act." The High Commission has reported the desecration to local authorities and is coordinating efforts to restore the monument.
On the 126th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the highlight is an interview with two Indian Navy officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Rupa, who completed a historic 238-day circumnavigation of the globe. They detailed their 47,500 km journey on a sailboat, becoming the first Indians to reach Point Nemo. A message was shared for the country's youth: "if anyone works hard, nothing is impossible in this world." The episode also paid tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Lata Mangeshkar on their birth anniversaries. Other topics included the government's efforts to list Chhath Puja as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Vijayadashami, and a call to embrace 'Swadeshi' and '#VocalForLocal' during the festive season, starting with Gandhi Jayanti.
Political parties, especially the BJP and the Congress, are often seen fighting for one-upmanship to claim the legacy of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the father of India's Constitution and the Dalit icon.
In Patna, BJP protested a singer’s Gandhi bhajan at Atal Jayanti, leading to criticism from Lalu Yadav.
An Atal Jayanti event in Patna, organised by former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey's Atal Vichar Parishad, saw controversy when a folk singer's rendition of a Gandhi bhajan was interrupted.
A man, with a tricolour in his hands, was seen helping Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah untying his shoelaces when he went to garland a statue of Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. In the video, the man can be seen helping the senior Congress leader as he was standing before going to the garland of Mahatma Gandhi's statue. Later, a security personnel was seen taking the tricolour away from the man. Mahatma 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.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Monday sang a melodious song for the soldiers of the Indian Army in the Mago Chuna area of the state. Notably, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and actor Randeep Hooda celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with the soldiers of the Indian Army.
The Opposition INDIA bloc will be holding a 'Main bhi Gandhi' march and rally in Mumbai on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti as well as Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, to protest against the BJP’s “divide and rule policy” and “divisive politics”.The march will start at 2 pm from Metro Cinema and head to Hutatma Chowk towards Fashion Street, to MG Road, towards Balasaheb Thackeray Statue, to Regal Cinema, to the Ambedkar and Rajiv Gandhi Statues and culminate at the Mahatma Gandhi statue.
