Mahatma Gandhi: 151st anniversary of Satyagraha's heirloom

India is celebrating&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-celebrates-150th-birth-anniversary-of-mahatma-gandhi-today-253161">150th birth anniversary</a> of legendary freedom movement leader and 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, on Wednesday.

150 years ago, the world was blessed with not just a leader, but a man who changed the global political discourse single-handedly, and whose legacy continues to shape the route undertaken by major leaders and activists.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar in India's western state of Gujarat. Born to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tributes-paid-to-mahatma-gandhi-at-unhrc-to-mark-his-150th-birth-anniversary-252054">Karamchand Gandhi</a>, the Chief Minister of Porbandar, and Putlibai. Later, he was revered as Mahatma which meant 'a great soul'.&nbsp;

Watch: Celebrating the Mahatma

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A lawyer by profession, he led the struggle for India's independence from the British rule by using non-violent means.&nbsp;

Even though his real activism began in India, Gandhi started his public life in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-showing-the-way-on-climate-change-south-african-foreign-minister-calls-gandhi-a-hero-252337">South Africa</a>, ruled by the British, who treated Indians and the native Africans as slaves.

Watch: United Nations pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

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He organised the Natal Indian Congress in South Africa and laid the foundation for the Civil Disobedience Movement, which he used effectively to win freedom for India.

Return to India

Gandhi came back to India in 1914 and fought against the British rule through a series of non-violent protests. India became independent from Britain on August 15, 1947.

After India's independence, there were widespread communal riots across the subcontinent.

Gandhi went on a hunger strike against the riots and withdrew the strike only after assurance from leaders of both the Hindu and Muslim communities.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/photos/150th-gandhi-jayanti-7-movies-that-revive-our-faith-in-bapus-ideologies-252967">In pics: 150th Gandhi Jayanti - 7 movies that revive our faith in Bapu’s ideologies</a>

The assassination that changed India

On January 30, 1948, while he was going to attend a a prayer meeting at a temple in New Delhi, Gandhi was shot dead by Nathuram Godse.

Gandhi was also against aggression and propagated 'ahimsa' or non-violence; in fact his non-violent movement is said to have inspired American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, and exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama.

Gandhi's ideologies still continue to be followed the world over. His statues can be found across India and nearly every town has at least one street named after him.

The Indian government has planned many events to commemorate Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, who is revered immensely not only in India, but globally.

(With inputs from Reuters)

India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of legendary freedom movement leader and 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, on Wednesday. 150 years ago, the world was blessed with not just a leader, but a man who changed the global political discourse single-handedly, and whose legacy continues to shape the route undertaken by major leaders and activists.

India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of legendary freedom movement leader and 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, on Wednesday. 150 years ago, the world was blessed with not just a leader, but a man who changed the global political discourse single-handedly, and whose legacy continues to shape the route undertaken by major leaders and activists. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar in India's western state of Gujarat. Born to Karamchand Gandhi, the Chief Minister of Porbandar, and Putlibai. Later, he was revered as Mahatma which meant 'a great soul'. Watch: Celebrating the Mahatma A lawyer by profession, he led the struggle for India's independence from the British rule by using non-violent means. Even though his real activism began in India, Gandhi started his public life in South Africa, ruled by the British, who treated Indians and the native Africans as slaves. Watch: United Nations pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi × He organised the Natal Indian Congress in South Africa and laid the foundation for the Civil Disobedience Movement, which he used effectively to win freedom for India. Return to India Gandhi came back to India in 1914 and fought against the British rule through a series of non-violent protests. India became independent from Britain on August 15, 1947. After India's independence, there were widespread communal riots across the subcontinent. Gandhi went on a hunger strike against the riots and withdrew the strike only after assurance from leaders of both the Hindu and Muslim communities. In pics: 150th Gandhi Jayanti - 7 movies that revive our faith in Bapu’s ideologies The assassination that changed India On January 30, 1948, while he was going to attend a a prayer meeting at a temple in New Delhi, Gandhi was shot dead by Nathuram Godse. Gandhi was also against aggression and propagated 'ahimsa' or non-violence; in fact his non-violent movement is said to have inspired American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, and exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama. Gandhi's ideologies still continue to be followed the world over. His statues can be found across India and nearly every town has at least one street named after him. The Indian government has planned many events to commemorate Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, who is revered immensely not only in India, but globally. (With inputs from Reuters)

Mahatma Gandhi: The champion of non-violent activism

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will end on January 31, 2020, instead of October. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and 31.

Under this, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-was-temporary-from-the-beginning-says-bjp-working-president-jp-nadda-252950">BJP </a>is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners, and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters.

According to the circular, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/modi-true-global-gatekeeper-253059">Narendra Modi</a> will kick-off this programme from Gujarat, simultaneously, with the other top leaders from the party who will start it from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. All the party's Lok Sabha MPs have been instructed to be in their respective constituencies on October 2 for the start of the program.

Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, he will also visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019 program, according to a post on the official Twitter handle of BJP.

Earlier, while talking to ANI, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India has almost achieved the open defecation free (ODF) target and hoped that Prime Minister will declare India open defecation free today.

On Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by taking up the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement.

"By taking up the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation. Our nation's emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency, and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor and farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with his thoughts," Kovind said.

BJP president Amit Shah will launch the ruling party's 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra' in New Delhi.

On the other hand, Congress will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today by taking out "padayatra" across the country with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi taking part in the march in New Delhi.

The march in the national capital will start from Delhi Pradesh Congress office and culminate at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will administer an oath to leaders and workers "to redeem Gandhi, Gandhism and Gandhi's India".

Besides this, there are several events lined up to take place across the country.

To mark the special occasion, AIM, NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, have launched 'The Gandhian Challenge'. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi's principles.

The winners of 'The Gandhian Challenge' will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in November.

Several photo exhibitions have been organized in different cities to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

Vistara is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a unique way with customers aboard select flights on October 2.

They will be invited to be part of the airline's initiative 'BE THE CHANGE @ 30,000 FEET' and write about a social change that they feel passionately about on a simple postcard, as per a company release.

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders.

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will end on January 31, 2020, instead of October. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and 31. Under this, the BJP is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners, and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters. According to the circular, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick-off this programme from Gujarat, simultaneously, with the other top leaders from the party who will start it from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. All the party's Lok Sabha MPs have been instructed to be in their respective constituencies on October 2 for the start of the program. Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, he will also visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019 program, according to a post on the official Twitter handle of BJP. Earlier, while talking to ANI, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India has almost achieved the open defecation free (ODF) target and hoped that Prime Minister will declare India open defecation free today. On Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by taking up the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement. "By taking up the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation. Our nation's emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency, and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor and farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with his thoughts," Kovind said. BJP president Amit Shah will launch the ruling party's 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra' in New Delhi. On the other hand, Congress will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today by taking out "padayatra" across the country with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi taking part in the march in New Delhi. The march in the national capital will start from Delhi Pradesh Congress office and culminate at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will administer an oath to leaders and workers "to redeem Gandhi, Gandhism and Gandhi's India". Besides this, there are several events lined up to take place across the country. To mark the special occasion, AIM, NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, have launched 'The Gandhian Challenge'. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi's principles. The winners of 'The Gandhian Challenge' will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in November. Several photo exhibitions have been organized in different cities to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Vistara is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a unique way with customers aboard select flights on October 2. They will be invited to be part of the airline's initiative 'BE THE CHANGE @ 30,000 FEET' and write about a social change that they feel passionately about on a simple postcard, as per a company release.

India celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary and said that his vision continues to resonate across the world, including through the work of the U.N.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mahatma-gandhi-150th-anniversary-of-satyagrahas-heirloom-253166#birth-of-a-new-leader-168880">Mahatma Gandhi</a>'s birth anniversary is observed as International Day of Non-Violence by the global community.

"Mahatma Gandhi pioneered successive non-violent movements that changed history. 150 years since his birth, Gandhi's philosophy is at the core of our work at the U.N. May his courage and conviction continue to inspire us on Wednesday's International Day of Non-Violence and every day, " tweeted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dialogue-between-india-pakistan-is-an-essential-element-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-250473">Guterres</a>.

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Mahatma Gandhi pioneered successive non-violent movements that changed history. 
 
150 years since his birth, Gandhi’s philosophy is at the core of our work at the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a>. May his courage &amp; conviction continue to inspire us on Wednesday’s International Day of Non-Violence &amp; every day.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1179245999543476227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"His vision continues to resonate across the world, including through the work of the United Nations for mutual understanding, equality, sustainable development, the empowerment of young people, and the peaceful resolution of disputes", Guterres said in a statement commemorating the day.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience.

This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947.

Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in 'swaraj'&nbsp;(self-governance) and 'ahimsa'&nbsp;(violence) won him accolades across the world.

Guterres recalled that before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrating-the-mahatma-150th-birth-anniversary-of-mahatma-gandhi-253174">Mahatma Gandhi</a>'s assassination on January 1948, after the partition of India the previous year, Gandhi constantly highlighted "the gap between what we do, and what we are capable of doing".

"On this International Day, I urge each and every one of us to do everything in our power to bridge this divide as we strive to build a better future for all", concluded the U.N. Secretary-General.&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary and said that his vision continues to resonate across the world, including through the work of the U.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary and said that his vision continues to resonate across the world, including through the work of the U.N. Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary is observed as International Day of Non-Violence by the global community. "Mahatma Gandhi pioneered successive non-violent movements that changed history. 150 years since his birth, Gandhi's philosophy is at the core of our work at the U.N. May his courage and conviction continue to inspire us on Wednesday's International Day of Non-Violence and every day, " tweeted Guterres. Mahatma Gandhi pioneered successive non-violent movements that changed history. 150 years since his birth, Gandhi’s philosophy is at the core of our work at the @UN. May his courage & conviction continue to inspire us on Wednesday’s International Day of Non-Violence & every day. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 2, 2019 × "His vision continues to resonate across the world, including through the work of the United Nations for mutual understanding, equality, sustainable development, the empowerment of young people, and the peaceful resolution of disputes", Guterres said in a statement commemorating the day. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in 'swaraj' (self-governance) and 'ahimsa' (violence) won him accolades across the world. Guterres recalled that before Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 1948, after the partition of India the previous year, Gandhi constantly highlighted "the gap between what we do, and what we are capable of doing". "On this International Day, I urge each and every one of us to do everything in our power to bridge this divide as we strive to build a better future for all", concluded the U.N. Secretary-General.

Gandhi pioneered non-violent movements that changed history: U.N. Secretary-General on Gandhi's 150th anniversary

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several&nbsp;commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The meeting was attended by the&nbsp;senior ministers of various ministries&nbsp;including Home, Defence,&nbsp;Finance, HRD, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Culture Ministers as well as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. In addition, eight eminent Gandhians, who are members of the organising committee, were also present.

Among the grand plans for the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation are, an international conference at the United Nations on September 24,&nbsp;the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's busts in 54 countries and an elaborate function on the Sabarmati Riverfront&nbsp;in Ahmedabad on October 2, in which commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released, illumination of iconic buildings across India and light and sound shows at India Gate in the national capital.&nbsp;

The grand celebration will kick off from September 11 and last till October 27.&nbsp;

The celebration activities also include awareness program across 4000 towns and 6 lakh villages in the country which will begin from September 11 and continue till October 1.

On October 2, various ministries will conduct a nationwide 'shramdaan' (voluntary work) for plastic waste in all the gram panchayats, urban local bodies, schools etc.

In the meeting, achievements under commemoration during the last one year were also reviewed.&nbsp;

Some of the major achievements that were reviewed include, International Sanitation Convention where 55 Ministers from 70 countries had gathered to learn from India’s sanitation experience, a large number of 'pad yatras', youth exchange programmes, seminars, workshops, Gandhi Katha, health camps etc. to propagate his life and message were organised, national Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi inaugurated was also organised on January 30 this year, videos of ‘Vaishnav Jan’ sung by famous singers at iconic places from 155 countries prepared and publicised, 24,173 manual scavengers rehabilitated and 6792 skilled.&nbsp;

A national handicrafts fair will also be held between October 1 and October 15.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

A meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on Friday during which several commemoration activities were planned to celebrate the150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The meeting was attended by the senior ministers of various ministries including Home, Defence, Finance, HRD, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Culture Ministers as well as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. In addition, eight eminent Gandhians, who are members of the organising committee, were also present. Among the grand plans for the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation are, an international conference at the United Nations on September 24, the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's busts in 54 countries and an elaborate function on the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on October 2, in which commemorative coin and postage stamp will be released, illumination of iconic buildings across India and light and sound shows at India Gate in the national capital. The grand celebration will kick off from September 11 and last till October 27. The celebration activities also include awareness program across 4000 towns and 6 lakh villages in the country which will begin from September 11 and continue till October 1. On October 2, various ministries will conduct a nationwide 'shramdaan' (voluntary work) for plastic waste in all the gram panchayats, urban local bodies, schools etc. In the meeting, achievements under commemoration during the last one year were also reviewed. Some of the major achievements that were reviewed include, International Sanitation Convention where 55 Ministers from 70 countries had gathered to learn from India’s sanitation experience, a large number of 'pad yatras', youth exchange programmes, seminars, workshops, Gandhi Katha, health camps etc. to propagate his life and message were organised, national Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi inaugurated was also organised on January 30 this year, videos of ‘Vaishnav Jan’ sung by famous singers at iconic places from 155 countries prepared and publicised, 24,173 manual scavengers rehabilitated and 6792 skilled. A national handicrafts fair will also be held between October 1 and October 15.

PM Modi chairs executive committee meeting on commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary