New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Congress leaders and parliamentarians Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tributes to two of India's most revered figures, invoking their ideals as guiding lights in today's turbulent times.
Rahul Gandhi, in a message shared on the social media platform X, honoured Mahatma Gandhi's enduring legacy, describing him as the moral compass who stitched India together through the threads of truth, non-violence, and harmony.
"The ideals of Bapu, who united India through the principles of truth, non-violence, and harmony, will continue to inspire us to follow the path of peace, brotherhood, truth, and humanity in the face of hatred, " he wrote.
His tribute resonated with the spirit of Gandhi's teachings, reminding citizens that the path of ahimsa and satyagraha remains as relevant today as it was during the freedom struggle.
His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, echoing the sentiment of remembrance, paid homage to Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose leadership and simplicity left an indelible mark on the nation.
In her tribute posted on X, she wrote, "Respectful tributes to former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, on his birth anniversary, who gave the country a new direction with the slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. His simplicity, humility, and unwavering resolve to defend the rights of his countrymen will always guide us."
Her words reflected admiration for Shastri's quiet strength and his ability to inspire through action rather than rhetoric.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said: " Hearty Greetings to all the countrymen on Gandhi Jayanti.
In a post on the social media paltform X, he said: "The ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the great architect of the Indian freedom movement and Father of the Nation, who showed the path of peace to the entire world through supreme values like truth, non-violence and Satyagraha, will always be a source of inspiration for us. Today, when his principles are being challenged, we are facing them by following Bapu's teachings and guidance."
Across the country, political leaders, civil society groups, and citizens marked the day with prayer meetings, cleanliness drives, and cultural programs.
Statues of Gandhi and Shastri were adorned with garlands, and their teachings echoed in schools and public spaces.