Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary on October 2, recalling the values of truth, non-violence, compassion and public service associated with the freedom leader. Gandhi Jayanti is observed across India every year to commemorate Gandhi's birth and his contribution to the country's freedom movement. In his message, Modi said Gandhi's ideals continue to hold relevance and expressed the view that his thoughts would continue to guide and inspire people in the years ahead. The Prime Minister also connected Gandhi's emphasis on self-reliance with the idea of supporting locally made products.

PM Modi Recalls Gandhi's Enduring Message

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Modi described Mahatma Gandhi's life as an example of truth, non-violence, compassion and service. He said Gandhi's ideas had inspired people beyond India and continued to have relevance in contemporary society. The Prime Minister said Gandhi remained influential despite having stayed away from formal positions of power. According to Modi, the freedom leader's ideas continue to find a place in the lives of millions of people. Modi also said he believed Gandhi's ideology would continue to guide humanity in the coming years. His message placed particular emphasis on values that Gandhi promoted throughout his public life, including peaceful action, service and concern for others.

Appeal to Buy at Least One Khadi Product

A major part of the Prime Minister's message focused on Khadi and the concept of Swadeshi. Modi recalled Gandhi's repeated encouragement to adopt Swadeshi and said Khadi remained closely connected with that idea. He appealed to citizens to purchase at least one Khadi product on October 2 and support locally produced goods. The appeal links the annual commemoration with an economic and social message centred on indigenous products and self-reliance. Khadi has long been associated with Gandhi's vision of encouraging Indian-made goods and reducing dependence on imported products. The government's Khadi and Village Industries Commission is also holding nationwide activities around Khadi in 2026, with the "Seva Sankalp, Khadi Mahotsav-2026" scheduled to continue through October 17.

Why October 2 Is Important

October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in Porbandar in 1869. The day is observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India and is also recognised internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence. The United Nations designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007, reflecting the global association of the date with Gandhi's philosophy of peaceful resistance and non-violence. Gandhi became one of the central figures of India's freedom movement and played a major role in mobilising people through non-violent resistance. His political and social ideas have continued to influence discussions around peace, equality, civil rights and social responsibility.

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Gandhi's Ideas and the Message of Self-Reliance

The Prime Minister's reference to Swadeshi also highlights one of the important themes associated with Gandhi's economic thinking. Gandhi encouraged Indians to use locally produced goods and promoted Khadi as both an economic activity and a symbol of self-reliance. For him, spinning and wearing Khadi were connected with wider efforts to support rural communities and encourage indigenous production. Modi's latest message again brought this aspect of Gandhi's philosophy into focus by asking citizens to make at least one Khadi purchase. The appeal also comes as government agencies continue to promote Khadi, village industries and locally produced goods through various programmes.

From Truth and Non-Violence to a Developed India

The Prime Minister also connected Gandhi's principles with the government's broader vision of Viksit Bharat. Modi said Gandhi's timeless message could continue to guide society towards a better future. The reference to a developed India places Gandhi's values within the context of the government's current national development messaging. The emphasis was not limited to economic development. Modi's comments also referred to values such as compassion and service, which he said remained important for society. The President's message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti similarly highlighted Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence and connected it with the idea of an inclusive and developed India.

Gandhi Jayanti 2026 and National Remembrance

The 2026 observance marks the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Official arrangements included a Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Rajghat in New Delhi on October 2. The annual observance provides an opportunity for public institutions, political leaders and citizens to remember Gandhi's contribution and discuss the continued relevance of his principles. Across India, Gandhi Jayanti is marked through prayer meetings, commemorative events, cleanliness activities, educational programmes and initiatives connected with Khadi and rural industries.

Gandhi's Legacy Continues to Shape Public Discourse

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He became a major figure in India's struggle for independence and was known internationally for his philosophy of non-violent resistance.

He was assassinated in New Delhi on January 30, 1948.

Decades after his death, his ideas remain part of India's public and political discourse. Gandhi's emphasis on non-violence, truth, simplicity, service and self-reliance continues to be referenced during national commemorations. On Gandhi Jayanti 2026, PM Modi's message focused particularly on these values while also urging citizens to support Khadi and the broader Swadeshi idea. The Prime Minister's appeal to purchase Khadi gave the annual tribute an additional focus on locally produced goods, while his remarks on truth, non-violence, compassion and service highlighted the continuing relevance of Gandhi's philosophy in public life.