Prime Minister remembers Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth, non-violence, compassion and service
GTNS | NEW DELHI | OCTOBER 2, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the special prayer meeting at Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on Friday as the nation observed the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Gandhi Smriti programme formed an important part of the national observance of Gandhi Jayanti. During the gathering, the Prime Minister paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and participated in the prayer proceedings organised at the historic site associated with the final phase of Gandhi’s life. The official Prime Minister’s Office said Modi recalled Gandhi’s timeless message on the occasion.
A notable part of the programme was the Prime Minister’s interaction with children who were present at Gandhi Smriti. Modi later described his interaction with the young participants as a key highlight of the prayer meeting.
Gandhi’s ideals recalled
The Prime Minister has repeatedly associated Gandhi’s legacy with truth, non-violence, compassion and service. On Gandhi Jayanti this year, he said Gandhi’s thoughts had influenced people across the world and remained relevant when connected with the cause of humanity.
Modi also highlighted Gandhi’s emphasis on Swadeshi and Khadi. In his Gandhi Jayanti message, he urged citizens to purchase at least one Khadi product on October 2 and take pride in identifying it with the Swadeshi tradition.
Gandhi Smriti becomes a place of remembrance
Gandhi Smriti, located at the former Birla House in New Delhi, holds a special place in the history of Mahatma Gandhi. It is the site where Gandhi spent the final period of his life and where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
The prayer meeting on October 2 brought together remembrance of Gandhi’s life with a message centred on values that have long been associated with his public philosophy.
The Gandhi Jayanti observance in the capital also included tributes at Rajghat, where Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial is located. The Prime Minister separately paid floral tribute to Gandhi at Rajghat and later paid homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his birth anniversary.
The day’s programmes across the country highlighted Gandhi’s legacy through prayer meetings, commemorative events and public activities, keeping the focus on the principles of peace, non-violence, service and social responsibility.