|

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked the birth anniversaries of two prominent figures in India’s history — Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri — with heartfelt tributes and a commitment to their enduring legacies.
On Monday, the chief minister commenced his day by offering floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Town Hall in Gorakhpur. He then proceeded to Shastri Chowk, where he paid respects to the former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, to his statue. The ceremonies were significant as the nation remembered the birth anniversaries of these two iconic leaders.
The CM also visited the Gandhi Ashram in Golghar, where he remembered Mahatma Gandhi by participating in spinning yarn on a traditional ‘charkha’. During his visit to the ashram, he engaged with those dedicated to this age-old craft, observed the products of khadi and village industries, and made purchases of khadi clothing, thus furthering the cause of self-reliance and ‘swadeshi’.
While reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth and non-violence at the Gandhi Ashram, Yogi stressed on the global significance of non-violence, which he described as the most potent strength of democracy. He noted that the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was being commemorated across the nation, underscoring the profound impact of his principles.
“Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) illuminated the world with his advocacy of truth and non-violence. By adhering to democratic principles, ‘swadeshi’, and truth, he compelled the autocratic British regime to exit our nation,” the CM recalled.
Yogi highlighted the ongoing ‘Swachhajanli’ programme in all gram panchayats and local bodies within the state, a campaign inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and self-reliance.
He underlined that in addition to self-sufficiency, ‘swadeshi’, truth, non-violence, and cleanliness were significant for Mahatma Gandhi, who tirelessly promoted these values in society.
In addition to paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Yogi remembered India’s second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Shastri’s famous slogan, ‘Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan’, encapsulated his vision for self-reliance and security. Yogi encouraged people to remember both the leaders for their invaluable contributions to the nation and society.
The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries such as MP Ravikishan Shukla, Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava, MLAs Vipin Singh & Pradeep Shukla, MLC Dr Dharmendra Singh, BJP regional president Sahajanand Rai, district president Yudhishthir Singh, and city president Rajesh Gupta.