Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 146th birth anniversary

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 146th birth anniversary at his Raj Ghat memorial here.

Vice President Hamid Ansari also paid his tribute to the Father of the Nation.

Indians all over the world are celebrating Gandhi’s 146th birth anniversary today. October 2 is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.

 Mr. Modi, who arrived at Rajghat at around 7:40 a.m., offered rose petals to the ‘samadhi’, which attracts a large number of Gandhian followers and admirers on this special day.

Clad in a khadi kurta and white pyjama, and a long traditional scarf, Mr. Modi, during his brief visit there, paid homage to the Mahatma by bowing his head at his memorial and performing a



‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) around it.

“Heartfelt homage to revered father of the nation (Poojya baapu ko shat shat naman),” Mr. Modi wrote on Twitter.

He also posted a sepia-toned picture of Gandhi, standing beside a broom, to emphasise the Gandhian vision—driven mission of ‘Swachh Bharat’

Mahatma Gandhi, besides standing for liberty and freedom, also championed the cause of cleanliness, and Prime Minister’s ‘Clean India’ campaign which completed one year today is a tribute to his values. “Cleanliness was very close to Mahatma Gandhi’s heart.

Let us reaffirm our commitment for a Swachh Bharat & fulfil our beloved Bapu’s dream. A clean India will enhance our development journey & benefit the poor,” said Mr. Modi on the picture post.