Prez, PM lead nation in paying tributes to Gandhi, Shastri

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday led the nation in paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries.

President Murmu, in her message on X, described Gandhi as the guiding light of peace, tolerance and truth for all humanity. “On behalf of all citizens, I pay my humble tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his 156th birth anniversary,” she said. She recalled his lifelong efforts to eradicate untouchability, illiteracy, and other social evils, and emphasised that his ideals of self-reliance, dignity of labour, and morality continue to remain relevant for India’s future.

Prime Minister Modi, in his tribute, said Gandhi Jayanti was a moment to remember the extraordinary life of Bapu, “whose ideals transformed the course of human history.” He wrote, “He believed in the power of service and compassion as essential means of empowering people. We will keep following his path in our quest to build a Viksit Bharat.”

Paying homage to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Modi said the late leader’s integrity, humility and determination had strengthened India in challenging times. “His clarion call of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ ignited a spirit of patriotism among our people. He continues to motivate us in the endeavour of building a strong and self-reliant India,” he said.

The three leaders also visited Raj Ghat and Vijay Ghat to offer floral tributes. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi also paid homage at Raj Ghat and Vijay Ghat. Home Minister Amit Shah, in his tributes, highlighted Gandhi’s message of Gram Swaraj and self-reliance. “His thoughts on truth, non-violence and peace will continue to inspire humanity forever,” he said. Remembering Shastri, he wrote that the former Prime Minister’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” infused new energy among soldiers and farmers during testing times.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid tributes, saying Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and harmony inspire the nation to counter hatred with peace and brotherhood. On Shastri, he wrote, “His simplicity, humility and unwavering resolve for the rights of the people will always guide us.” Across the country, people remembered Gandhi and Shastri for their contribution to India’s freedom, integrity, and development.