Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, 2 October 2026, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, recalling his enduring teachings on truth, non-violence, self-reliance, and public service. The tributes were offered as the nation observed Gandhi Jayanti, which also marks the International Day of Non-Violence.

Amit Shah's Tribute on X

Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media platform X to share his homage, underscoring Gandhi's vision of Swaraj as more than political independence. 'Mahatma Gandhi ji did not consider Swaraj merely as the goal of freedom, but as the foundation of self-respect and self-reliance. With the belief that no nation can become great without being connected to its roots, he established Swadeshi, one's own language, one's own culture and cleanliness as the fundamental philosophy of Indian society,' Shah wrote.

He further noted that Gandhi's life itself was a lesson in purposeful action: 'Gandhi ji taught through his life that when there is devotion in action and purity in thoughts, no goal is impossible. On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ji, who gave the message of truth, non-violence and compassion to the entire world, I pay my respectful obeisance to him.'

Rajnath Singh Recalls Gandhi's Global Legacy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also offered his homage, emphasising the continued global relevance of Gandhi's principles. 'On the occasion of the revered Bapu's birth anniversary, we offer our humble respects and respectful homage. By walking the path of truth and non-violence, he gave a new direction to India's freedom movement. His message of peace, tolerance, equality and unity remains a source of inspiration for the entire world,' Singh said.

Singh highlighted Gandhi's deep-rootedness in Indian civilisational values, stating that he 'presented the strength of India's spiritual and moral heritage to the world.' He added that ideas such as Swadeshi, self-reliance, and Sarvodaya continue to shape India's forward march, and that Gandhi's emphasis on social harmony, cleanliness, and public service 'remains relevant even today.'

Yogi Adityanath Extends Greetings on Gandhi Jayanti

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute, extending greetings to the people of the state on the International Day of Non-Violence. 'On the sacred birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi ji, who walked the path of truth and non-violence to convey the message of freedom to the entire world through indigenous means and non-violence, millions of salutations,' Yogi said.

The Chief Minister added that Gandhi's ideals, simplicity, and philosophy continue to guide India in its journey toward becoming self-reliant and developed.

Significance of Gandhi Jayanti 2026

Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on 2 October to mark the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely revered as the Father of the Nation. The day is also recognised by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence, a designation established in 2007. This year's tributes by senior Union ministers and chief ministers reflect the continued political resonance of Gandhian ideals — particularly concepts such as Swadeshi and self-reliance — within contemporary governance discourse.