157th Gandhi Jayanti today: Odisha Remembers Mahatma Gandhi’s Enduring Legacy

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Bhubaneswar/Balasore: India is paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Friday on the occasion of his 157th birth anniversary, remembering his enduring message of truth, non-violence and peace.

Born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi played a defining role in India’s freedom struggle. Through Satyagraha and non-violence, he give a new direction to the movement against British rule.

His leadership was closely associated with historic movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Dandi March and the Quit India Movement.

For Gandhi, freedom was not limited to liberation from British rule. He also emphasised cleanliness, self-reliance, Gram Swaraj, social equality and communal harmony. Through the charkha and khadi, he promoted the ideals of Swadeshi and self-reliance.

Gandhi’s deep connection with Odisha

Mahatma Gandhi shared a special relationship with Odisha and visited the state several times during the freedom movement. Odisha’s poverty, rural life and social conditions deeply influenced him.

Several prominent freedom fighters from Odisha, including Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, were inspired by Gandhian ideals and played significant roles in taking the freedom movement to the people.

Recognising the global significance of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, the United Nations observes October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.

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On Gandhi Jayanti, tributes, prayer meetings and commemorative programmes are being organised across the country, including at Raj Ghat in New Delhi.

Balasore sand artist pays tribute to Bapu

Meanwhile, noted sand artist Ajay Kumar Ghosh from Jaleswar block in Odisha’s Balasore district paid a unique tribute to the Father of the Nation through sand art.

Ghosh created a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi using around five tonnes of sand to mark the occasion. Through his artwork, the artist conveyed the message “Gandhi Tume Pheri Asa” (Gandhi, come back).

The sand sculpture remembers Gandhi as one of the foremost leaders of India’s freedom struggle and highlights the continuing relevance of his ideals.

More than seven decades after his death, Gandhi’s message of transforming society through truth, peace and non-violence remains a defining part of his legacy.

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