2nd October 2020
Gandhi Jayanti
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. This year will mark Gandhi’s 151st birth anniversary.
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2nd every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It is observed across states and territories in India, and is one of the officially declared national holidays.
On this day, people celebrate with prayer services, commemorative ceremonies and cultural events that are held in colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. The statues of Mahatma Gandhi are decorated with garlands and flowers. His favourite song Raghupati Raghava is also sung at some of the meetings. His birth anniversary is celebrated in other parts of the world too.
People honour Gandhi’s contributions towards the Indian Independence movement, and his non-violent way of life. He led the Dandi Salt March in 1930. In 1942, he launched the Quit India Movement. He was also instrumental in abolishing the age-old practice of untouchability.
Meanwhile, the President and Prime Minister of India usually pay homage at Raj Ghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi.
On June 15, 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that declared October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.
Books on Mahatma Gandhi
visit to https://www.mkgandhi.org/bk123.htm
Video:
Reference:
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/gandhi-jayanti-2020-history-importance-significance-6619002/
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Jayanti
As we celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the country pays respect to another great freedom fighter, statesman and India's second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', the slogan of Lal Bahadur Shastri, is etched in our minds as it captures the true spirit of India. Lal Bahadur Shastri's public life has left an indelible mark on the country. He was unique in the way he connected with the common man. Humble, soft-spoken but a strong leader, Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as the Prime Minister in May 1964, after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru. In Independent India's first cabinet, Lal Bahadur Shastri held key portfolios like the Home Affairs and the Railways.
Things about him that inspires
· During the 1965 India-Pak war, when the country faced food scarcity Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was the Prime Minister then, stopped drawing his salary
· Lal Bahadur Shastri was a man of tremendous integrity; he resigned from his post of Railways Minister because he felt responsible for a railway accident which had killed many people
· Lal Bahadur Shastri's slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' at during the 1965 war boosted the morale of the soldiers as well as farmers amid food scarcity
· Lal Bahadur Shastri promoted the White Revolution, a countrywide campaign to increase milk production. He supported the Amul milk co-operative at Anand in Gujarat and created the National Dairy Development Board
· To boost India's food production, Lal Bahadur Shastri promoted the Green Revolution in India in 1965, which led to an increase in food grain production, especially in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
· His tenure as the Prime Minister was only for 19 months. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966.
Quotes
"Discipline and united action are the real source of strength for the nation."
"India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in any way to be untouchable."
"True democracy or the swaraj of the masses can never come through untruthful and violent means, for the simple reason that the natural corollary to their use would be to remove all opposition through the suppression or extermination of the antagonist."
"There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the crossroads of history and must choose which way to go."
Books to read about the Life and Journey of Lal Bahadur Shastri:
Lal Bahadur Shastri – Lessons in Leadership
The book complete with insightful anecdotes of Shastri’s childhood, adolescent years and political life is narrated by his son Anil. The account is inferred by management tactician Pavan Choudary. The book includes lessons in honor, management, dignity, and self-belief. It is a must-read for those striving to lead by act and model.
Lal Bahadur Shastri – Past forward
Shastri was known to be a devotee of Gandhi and followers of his principles. This book has all you need to know if you want to understand what it means to practice Gandhian values. The book is penned by Sunil, Shastri’s third and youngest son. Sunil, a politician in his own right, in addition to a tribute to his father, also sketches the lessons in integrity and national pride. The book also takes into account the ethics and modest living by which Shastri lived his life.
Lal Bahadur Shastri - Life of Truth in Politics
The book authored by C.P Shrivastava is a painstaking research and cabled account encompassing various significant milestones in the life of the late leader. The biography of India's second prime minister is touted to be a compulsory reading for students of contemporary India as well as lay readers. From the 1965 India-Pakistan war, to the Chinese saber-rattling during the India-Pakistan conflict, the chapters mine a treasure trove.
Lal Bahadur Shastri - Politics and Beyond
Dr Sandeep Shastri, one of India's most respected political commentators, seizures the life and times of Lal Bahadur Shastri in this book. The book takes a closer look at the revolutionary efforts of Shastri and highlights the way in which he encouraged soldiers to respond to Pakistan's catastrophes. The thought-provoking book is a fitting tribute and focuses on the strengths of the late former prime minister.
Office of the Indian Prime Minister - Lal Bahadur Shastri Period
Authored by Dr. K Babu Rajendra Prasad, the book gives an in depth insight of the leader’s career. With intimate knowledge of the Shastri era, the book has nuances of his time in the office. The wise and patriotic leader of the country left behind no money, no house and no land when he died.
The book raises questions as well as mentions that Shastri left behind an example for millions in decades to come.
Video:
Reference:
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lal-bahadur-shastri-birth-anniversary-best-quotes-images-and-tributes-2304136
https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/lal-bahadur-shastri-birth-anniversary-5-books-about-indias-second-prime-minister-2923713.html