Hello, lovely people! 

Mahatma Gandhi needs no introduction. All of you must have read about him and are aware of the significant role he played in India's freedom struggle. 

By now, you must have guessed why I'm talking about Gandhi ji. Tomorrow is Gandhi Jayanti. It is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, who spearheaded India’s freedom movement against British rule in India. He adopted non-violence as a way of life to resist foreign rule and inspired many civil rights movements worldwide. 

In order to honour his stellar contribution to the nation, October 2 is observed as a national holiday in India. This day is celebrated all over the country and even outside the country by the followers of Mahatma Gandhi. It is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all over country with great reverence. People light a candle in memory of the Father of the Nation. Many cultural events and activities are organised in schools, colleges and other places on this day. Plays and skits are performed, speeches are given, poems are recited, and songs are sung in his memory. All government offices, banks, schools, colleges and post offices remain closed on Gandhi Jayanti. 

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was India’s foremost leader of the independence movement. He completed his education and obtained a law degree from London before going to South Africa to practise law. In South Africa, the situation of the Indians was pathetic as there was racism. Even Gandhi ji had to face racism! At Pietermaritzburg station, as a young lawyer, Gandhi ji was pushed out of a first-class train compartment, thus prompting him to think about race and colour prejudices. This station in South Africa is now known worldwide as the ‘Birthplace of Sathyagraha’. He put in efforts to improve the situation of Indians there.

Upon Gandhi ji's return to India, he joined the Indian National Congress and led nationwide campaigns for farmers, peasants, and labourers. He also fought against caste discrimination and for expanding women’s rights.

Gandhi ji led some of the most iconic movements in India’s freedom struggle such as Non-Cooperation movement, Satyagraha, etc. He led Indians to break the salt law through the Dandi March in 1930, which helped Indians believe that they can challenge the British. He also led the Quit India movement in 1942.

Gandhi ji fought against the British without any weapons. He was a staunch believer of Ahimsa (non-violence). He travelled across the length and breadth of the country to motivate the people to raise their voice against British rule. In 1951, he established an ashram in Ahmedabad. The ashram was open to people of all castes and religions.

Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the country and its people. His belief in truth and non-violence and his own determination to live life on these terms has a message for everyone. He asserted that we must discipline ourselves to achieve anything in life. His life also carries the message of ‘simple living, high thinking’.

Gandhi ji believed in secularism. He wanted India to be a secular nation and fought to make it a reality. But his vision was hindered by Muslim nationalists led by the Muslim league on one side and the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak leading the Hindu nationalists on the other side. Although Gandhi ji opposed the Partition, he could not prevent it. India was partitioned into a Hindu majority India and Muslim majority Pakistan.

At last, Gandhi ji sacrificed his life for the betterment of this country. He was killed by Hindu nationalist Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948. Celebrating Gandhi ji's birth anniversary is just a small way to honour his dedication and sacrifice. He'll continue to inspire generations of Indians.