Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on 2 October 2026 paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, Gandhi's birthplace, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Addressing a prayer meeting, Patel said Gandhi's ideals of cleanliness and Swaraj had been carried forward as mass movements through the Swachh Bharat Mission and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Remarks at Kirti Mandir

Speaking at the prayer gathering, Chief Minister Patel said Gandhi's message of truth, non-violence, Sarvodaya, and universal brotherhood remained deeply relevant and called upon citizens to reflect these ideals in public life. 'Prayer nourishes the soul, inspires self-reflection, humility and compassion, and strengthens the resolve to follow the right path,' he said. He added that prayer brings people together beyond individual interests and faiths, promoting mutual respect, empathy, harmony, peace, and national unity.

Patel said India's strength lay in the unity of its diverse faiths and traditions, with the principle of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' serving as a foundation for equal respect and national cohesion.

Gandhi's Vision Linked to Modern Governance

The Chief Minister drew a direct line between Gandhi's concept of Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, describing the latter as an adaptation of Gandhian self-reliance to contemporary national development. He also connected the Swachh Bharat Mission to Gandhi's long-held emphasis on cleanliness, noting that the initiative had mobilised citizens across age groups as volunteers and 'Swachhagrahis'.

Patel further referenced efforts to revive khadi among younger generations through the messaging of 'Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion', framing it as a continuation of Gandhi's economic philosophy. He cited Prime Minister Modi's guiding principle of 'Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas and Sauno Prayas' as reflecting Gandhi's emphasis on the welfare of the poor and last-mile communities.

India's Global Role and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

Chief Minister Patel said India, in keeping with Gandhi's ideals of non-violence and universal brotherhood, followed the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world as one family. He said the country continued to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue, partnership, and human-centric global cooperation.

He also recalled the freedom movement, noting that India had achieved independence from British rule under Gandhi's leadership through the principles of truth and non-violence. He called upon citizens to work towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with focus on self-reliance, welfare of the poor, cleanliness, and environmental conservation.

Forest Minister and Other Speakers

Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said Gandhi had transformed human lives through simple yet powerful efforts, and that his message of truth and non-violence remained universally relevant. Referring to ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, Modhwadia said dialogue was essential to resolving disputes and reducing human suffering.

Modhwadia also noted that Porbandar's identity as Gandhi's birthplace was a matter of national and global pride, and urged citizens to make cleanliness a part of their daily lives. 'Keeping our homes, streets and country clean and following Gandhiji's ideals is the true tribute to him,' he said.

Senior officials, civic representatives, office-bearers, school students, and citizens attended the event. As India marks another Gandhi Jayanti, the occasion serves as a renewed call to align governance, civic behaviour, and international conduct with the values Gandhi championed.