Congress leaders pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on birth anniversary

‘He taught us never to bow before injustice’: Congress pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Congress leaders paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat in the morning on his birth anniversary, while Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge invoked truth, non-violence and fearlessness as central to his legacy.

Rahul Gandhi said Gandhi taught people “never to bow before injustice” and that standing firm with truth and non-violence was true strength.

Rahul Gandhi invokes truth and fearlessness

In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi wrote, “Truth, non-violence, and fearlessness, these are Bapu's greatest legacy. They taught us never to bow before injustice; standing firm with truth and non-violence is true strength.”

Gandhi also said, “On the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi ji, I pay my humble respects.”

His remarks linked Gandhi’s legacy to the need for fearlessness in confronting injustice and to the strength that comes from remaining committed to truth and non-violence.

Kharge said truth, non-violence and fearlessness were Bapu’s greatest legacy.

He said remaining steadfast on Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, harmony and justice was the true tribute to him.

Kharge also shared a quote attributed to Gandhi: “‘First they will ignore you, then they will laugh at you, then they will fight you, and then you will win.’ ~ Mahatma Gandhi.”

Kharge recalls Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle

In his post in Hindi on X, Kharge described Gandhi as the Father of the Nation and said he gave strength to truth, courage to non-violence, and made Satyagraha the most powerful weapon against injustice.

Kharge said Gandhi not only guided India’s freedom struggle but also showed the entire world the path of humanity, compassion and peace.

He added that new challenges stood before Gandhi’s thoughts and values, making adherence to the principles of truth, non-violence, harmony and justice the true tribute to Bapu.

“On Gandhi Jayanti, humble salutations to Bapu and heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen,” Kharge said.

The Congress’s observance therefore centred on Gandhi’s principles rather than only on commemorating his birth anniversary.

Tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri and K. Kamaraj

The Congress also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary and former Congress leader K. Kamaraj on his death anniversary.

Kharge and Gandhi paid floral tributes at Shastri’s memorial at Vijay Ghat in the morning.

Kharge described Shastri as “A symbol of simplicity, integrity, and national service” and said his life was “an extraordinary example of dedication to India.”

According to Kharge, Shastri’s contribution included land reforms, strengthening the foundations of the Green and White Revolutions, abolishing third-class travel in railways and arranging seats for women in buses.

Kharge also credited Shastri with providing steadfast leadership to the country in the 1965 war and said his contribution to nation-building was unforgettable.

“His simple life, imbued with Gandhian values and lofty ideals, will continue to inspire us forever. ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,’” the Congress chief said.

Paying tribute to Kamaraj, Kharge called him “one of India's distinguished nation-builders” and said he was remembered for his simplicity, integrity and unwavering commitment to public service.

Kharge said, “Kamarajar dedicated his life to social justice and the welfare of the people.”

He said Kamaraj’s pioneering initiatives, including the Mid-Day Meal scheme, helped bring education within the reach of millions of underprivileged children.

Kharge added that Kamaraj’s vision of inclusive progress, compassionate governance and service to the nation continued to inspire generations.

Source: The Hindu