Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 2 (ANI): On the occasion of the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and the 120th birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, tributes poured in from across the country.

In Shimla, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla paid floral homage to the statues of both great leaders, alongside Congress State President Pratibha Singh, Shimla MLA Harish Janartha, and other dignitaries. The Congress leaders organised a tribute event at the Congress Office in Shimla, calling on everyone to follow the principles of peace and non-violence to promote global harmony.

During his address, Governor Shukla emphasised the pivotal role Gandhi played in India’s freedom struggle, noting how Gandhi’s message of non-violence and simplicity resonated across the world. Shukla highlighted Gandhi’s vow to wear simple clothes as a symbol of solidarity with the poor and his call for non-violence as the path to freedom. Reflecting on Shastri’s contribution, Shukla praised his famous slogan, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” which united soldiers and farmers in strengthening India’s security and economy.

“Today, we are not just paying tribute to the statues of Gandhi ji and Shastri ji, but we are honoring their immortality. Mahatma Gandhi ignited the flame of freedom, and the nation walked alongside him in this struggle,” Shukla said.

He also gave reference to current global conflicts. “Our Prime Minister has carried the message of non-violence to Russia and Ukraine, stressing that war is not the solution–peace is,” Shukla added further.

The state Congress State Chief Pratibha Singh also spoke at the event, underlining the global legacy of Gandhi and Shastri.

“These two great leaders are remembered not only in India but across the world. We must continue to follow their path of peace and non-violence,” she stated as Congress members gathered to honour their contributions.

The PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh echoed the sentiment, calling for collective dedication to national building by following the values set by Gandhi and Shastri.

“Both leaders played crucial roles in India’s freedom, and it is essential for us to uphold their principles as we work towards building a New India,” Singh remarked.

The leaders’ collective message underscored the importance of remembering the teachings of Gandhi and Shastri, especially in today’s world, where peace and unity are needed more than ever.

Earlier President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary at Rajghat in the national capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Minister Manohar Lal and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi paid his heartfelt tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, emphasising the lasting impact of Bapu’s life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality, and said that these principles continue to inspire the people of the country.

“On behalf of all countrymen, salutations to Pujya Bapu on his birth anniversary. His life and ideals based on truth, harmony and equality will always remain an inspiration for the countrymen,” PM Modi said in a post on X.