Imbibe Bapu's teachings: President on Gandhi Jayanti

New Delhi, Oct 1: President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday asked countrymen to imbibe and follow the teachings of the Father of the Nation so that his values are immortalised.

"Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion for us to reflect on the life and contribution of the Father of our Nation. This is a day to re-dedicate ourselves to ideals of the Mahatma who forged the instrument of Satyagraha based on truth, non-violence and power of self-suffering and helped India shed the yoke of colonialism.

"Mahatma Gandhi had an exemplary passion for justice and an indefatigable spirit of service to mankind," Mukherjee said on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.

President asked countrymen to imbibe and follow the teachings of the Bapu.

"The Mahatma's ideas and way of life permeated the collective conscience of India and found expression in all the democratic institutions that we have built up over the years," a Rashtrapati Bhawan statement said quoting Mukherjee.

The President said when India's Constitution was being drafted, concepts such as Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Abolition of Untouchability, Rights for Underprivileged and Marginalised were all inspired by Gandhian thoughts and values.

"On this auspicious occasion, I urge all citizens to imbibe wisdom from the valued teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and ensure that Bapu remains alive in our hearts and minds forever," he said.

PTI