Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Murmu, Modi pay tribute at Raj Ghat on 157th birth anniversary
Synopsis
On Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary, India's top constitutional leaders gathered at Raj Ghat to pay tribute — but it was President Murmu's invocation of Sarvodaya and Viksit Bharat in the same breath, against a backdrop of global conflict, that gave this year's Gandhi Jayanti a sharper edge than ceremonial ritual.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu , Vice President C.P.
Radhakrishnan , and PM Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at Raj Ghat on 2 October 2026 .
The occasion marks Mahatma Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary , observed nationally as Gandhi Jayanti .
President Murmu linked Gandhi's ideal of Sarvodaya to India's goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 .
Murmu called Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence 'even more relevant' given ongoing global conflicts.
The United Nations observes 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence , underlining Gandhi's global legacy.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 2 October 2026, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, marking the 157th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, observed nationally as Gandhi Jayanti. The tributes underscored the enduring relevance of Gandhi's ideals of truth, non-violence, and inclusive development at a time of deepening global conflict.
President Murmu's Tribute and Remarks
President Droupadi Murmu visited Raj Ghat and laid flowers at the memorial, paying respects on behalf of all citizens. In a post on X, she said: 'On behalf of all citizens, I pay my respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.'
President Murmu highlighted the global resonance of Gandhi's message, stating: 'Gandhiji's life and ideals are widely respected by the global community. Today, an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations — in these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant.'
She also connected Gandhi's philosophy to India's development aspirations, invoking the ideal of Sarvodaya — the welfare and upliftment of all — as foundational to the national goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. 'On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an empowered, developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat through our ethical conduct and active participation,' she added.
Vice President and PM Modi at Raj Ghat
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also visited Raj Ghat and paid his respects at the memorial on the occasion of Gandhi's birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes, remembering Gandhi's historic contribution to India's freedom movement and his enduring legacy of moral leadership.
Significance of Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on 2 October to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, whose twin principles of Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence) were central to India's independence struggle. The occasion is also recognised internationally — the United Nations designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007, reflecting the global reach of Gandhi's philosophy.
Gandhi's Ideals in a Fractured World
This year's observance carried added weight. With conflicts ongoing across multiple regions of the world, President Murmu's invocation of Gandhi's peace message reflected a broader national sentiment that his teachings hold practical urgency — not merely ceremonial value. Notably, the emphasis on Sarvodaya and inclusive development at the highest constitutional level signals continued political alignment with Gandhian social philosophy, even as India pursues rapid economic modernisation under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Point of View
But President Murmu's framing this year deserves attention — she explicitly tied Sarvodaya to Viksit Bharat, positioning Gandhian welfare philosophy as compatible with, even foundational to, India's modernisation agenda. That is a deliberate rhetorical move, not a coincidence. At the same time, with wars running in multiple theatres globally, the invocation of non-violence by a head of state carries a geopolitical subtext that goes beyond domestic symbolism. Whether India's foreign policy posture — often described as strategic autonomy — will more actively champion Gandhian conflict-resolution principles on multilateral platforms is the question this anniversary, more than most, quietly raises.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on Gandhi Jayanti 2026?
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on 2 October 2026, marking Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary.
What is Gandhi Jayanti and why is it observed on 2 October?
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday observed every year on 2 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The date is also recognised by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.
What did President Murmu say on Gandhi Jayanti 2026?
President Murmu said Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence is 'even more relevant' given current global conflicts. She also connected his ideal of Sarvodaya — welfare of all — to India's Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, calling for an empowered and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
What is the significance of Sarvodaya that President Murmu mentioned?
Sarvodaya is a Gandhian concept meaning the welfare and upliftment of all, without exception. President Murmu invoked it to argue that India's development journey must ensure no citizen is left behind, reflecting Gandhi's inclusive vision.
How is Gandhi Jayanti recognised internationally?
The United Nations designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007, in honour of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. This reflects the global resonance of Gandhi's philosophy of truth and non-violence beyond India's borders.
