Gandhiji remembered on his 149th birth anniversary

New Delhi, Oct 2: Leaders cutting across party lines paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 149th birth anniversary. Fondly called as Bapu by the nation, Gandhi had played an instrumental role in helping India to attain independence from the 'British Raj'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat today. Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi also paid their tributes to Gandhiji.

Mahatma Gandhi's birthday is commemorated in India as Gandhi Jayanti and worldwide as the International Day of Non-violence.

President Ram Nath Kovind pays tribute at Rajghat

"Homage to Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. Let us rededicate ourselves to the values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi - peace, fraternity, harmony and inclusive national development. Gandhiji's message remains relevant for all and he continues to be our guiding light," the President tweeted.

PM Modi at Rajghat

"The noble thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi have given strength to millions across the world. He was a stalwart who lived for others and to make our world a better place. Paid tributes to Bapu at Rajghat this morning," Modi tweeted. (Image credit - ANI/Twitter)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Bapu

"Gandhiji is not an immobile statue, he is a living set of ideas and values flowing through India. Truth and non-violence, which he lived for and was killed for are the foundation of our country. True patriots must protect them," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. (Image credit - ANI/Twitter)

Sonia Gandhi pays homage to Father of the Nation

Both Rahul and Sonia left immediately as they are slated to travel to Wardha for the Congress Working Committee (CWC). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, who arrived soon after Rahul, also paid homage to the Mahatma. After them, Sonia Gandhi arrived and paid floral tributes amid the strains of 'bhajans'. Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal and senior BJP leader L K Advani also paid tributes to Gandhi on the occasion. (Image credit - ANI/Twitter)

UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Mahatma Gandhi's real name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and the title "Mahatma" was conferred upon him by none other than Rabindranath Tagore. Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram' is often sung and played frequently on this day and many places hold prayer meetings and get-togethers to mark this occasion. (Image credit - ANI/Twitter)