Political leaders pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi (in pics)

New Delhi, Oct 2: Senior politicians and top leadres paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 144th birth anniversary. Rajgath was seen flooded with VIPS as leaders from both leading parties - Congress and BJP - marked the day by offering flowers to the 'Father of the Nation'.

Seen were UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, PM Manmohan Singh, President Pranab Mukherjee, and more.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday asked the countrymen to imbibe and follow the teachings of Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi, so that his values are immortalized.

Full text of President Pranab Mukherjee's speech:

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 Gandhiji had an exemplary passion for justice and an indefatigable spirit of service to mankind. 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. When we drew up our Constitution, concepts such as Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Abolition of Untouchability, Rights for underprivileged and marginalized 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.

Hamid Ansari

Vice-President Hamid Ansari paying homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary at his memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi on Wednesday.

LK Advani

Senior BJP leader LK Advani paying homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary at his memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Pranab Mukherjee

President, Pranab Mukherjee pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi's portraits during the launch of 'Khadi Mark' at an MSME function in New Delhi.

Sonia Gandhi

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi paying homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary at his memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paying homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary at his memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In Ahmedabad

School students giving floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 144th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

OneIndia News