President of India Pranab Mukherjee has sent out a message to the nation on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation", urging the people to imbibe Gandhian ideals, thoughts and values.
The nation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. The United Nations General Assembly has also declared 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Here is complete text of Pranab Mukherjee's message to the nation on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti:
Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion for us to reflect on the life and contribution of the Father of our Nation. This is a day to re-dedicate ourselves to ideals of the Mahatma who forged the instrument of Satyagraha based on truth, non-violence and power of self-suffering and helped India shed the yoke of colonialism.
Mahatma Gandhiji had an exemplary passion for justice and an indefatigable spirit of service to mankind. The Mahatma's ideas and way of life permeated the collective conscience of India and found expression in all the democratic institutions that we have built up over the years. When we drew up our Constitution, concepts such as Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Abolition of Untouchability, Rights for underprivileged and marginalized were all inspired by Gandhian thoughts and values.
On this auspicious occasion, I urge all citizens to imbibe wisdom from the valued teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and ensure that Bapu remains alive in our hearts and minds forever.
