Gandhi Jayanti 2023: Fascinating Facts About the Father of the Nation You Should Know

Mahatma Gandhi revered as the Father of the Nation, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, now a part of Gujarat. This year, we commemorate the 154th birth anniversary of this iconic figure. Gandhi Jayanti, observed annually throughout India, pays tribute to his pivotal role in India's independence movement and his profound philosophical contributions to life.

October 2 is celebrated as a national holiday in India, honoring the memory of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu. He dedicated his life to India's struggle for freedom and advocated the principles of truth and non-violence.

Here are some lesser-known facts about Mahatma Gandhi:

1. Time Magazine Honor: In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi was recognized as Time Magazine's Man of the Year, making him the first and only Indian to receive this prestigious distinction.
2. Irish Accent: Gandhi's English was influenced by an Irish accent, owing to one of his early teachers being Irish.
3. Nobel Peace Prize Nominations: Remarkably, Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award.
4. Title 'Mahatma': The title 'Mahatma' was bestowed upon Gandhi by the renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
5. Shared Birthday: Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi shares his birthday with Lal Bahadur Shastri, born in 1904.
6. Funeral Procession: The funeral procession of Mahatma Gandhi extended a remarkable 8 kilometers, demonstrating the massive outpouring of grief and respect.
7. Roads Named after Gandhi: There are 48 roads outside India and 53 roads within the country named in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, a testament to his enduring legacy.
8. Henry Ford's Admiration: Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, was an ardent admirer and follower of Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing the global impact of Gandhi's principles.

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated nationwide, with participation from schools, colleges, government, and non-government offices. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in homage to Gandhi's enduring commitment to non-violent resistance and peaceful change. This day serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Gandhi's teachings and his profound influence on the world's struggle for justice, peace, and equality.

Also Read: Gandhi Jayanti 2023: PM Modi Pays Respects at Rajghat

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