Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, 2 October, declared that the unparalleled sacrifice, moral values, and national service of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri would continue to inspire generations of Indians. Majhi made the remarks while paying tributes to both leaders on their birth anniversaries at a ceremony held on the premises of the Odisha Legislative Assembly in Bhubaneswar.

Tributes at the Assembly

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, and several senior dignitaries joined the Chief Minister at the commemorative programme. An all-faith prayer meeting and a rendition of Ram Dhun — Gandhi's favourite devotional hymn — were organised by the Odisha Information and Public Relations Department on the occasion.

Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Law and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, legislators, and other senior leaders were also present.

On Gandhi's Vision and Its Contemporary Relevance

Chief Minister Majhi said that Mahatma Gandhi had not merely secured India's independence but had offered the world a new moral direction through his principles of Satyagraha, non-cooperation, and ethical living. 'Gandhiji's primary dream was to serve the person standing at the last row of society, maintain cleanliness, and adopt Swadeshi. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this vision of Mahatma Gandhi is turning into a reality,' Majhi said.

He noted that cleanliness had evolved into a nationwide mass movement, while the spirit of Swadeshi was underpinning the push toward an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Through the 'Antyodaya Yojana', he said, the poor and marginalised were being brought into the mainstream of development — in keeping with Gandhi's ideal of serving those at the bottom of society.

Honouring Lal Bahadur Shastri's Legacy

Turning to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Majhi described the former Prime Minister as an apostle of peace whose simple life, high thinking, and deep honesty served as a supreme example for the entire nation. He highlighted Shastri's stirring call of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' as a rallying cry that had infused fresh energy into every Indian during a critical period in the country's history.

Majhi's Call for a 'Samruddha Odisha' and 'Viksit Bharat'

'By following Gandhiji's truth and non-violence, and Shastriji's dedication to duty and service to the nation as our ideals, our relentless efforts will continue towards building a Samruddha Odisha and a Viksit Bharat,' the Chief Minister said. The remarks position both national icons as touchstones for state development policy, connecting their legacies to contemporary goals of inclusive growth. Gandhi Jayanti, observed annually on 2 October, is also designated as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, adding global resonance to the day's observances.