Importance of 2nd October

Since childhood, I have enjoyed three national holidays namely 15th August, 26th January and 2nd October. National holiday on 15 August is on account of Independence Day as on this date in 1947 we became free from British Rule. National holiday on 26 January is on account of Republic Day as on this date in 1950 the constitution handing over the power to people was adopted. 2nd October was initially declared as a national Holiday on account of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi the father of our nation.

Later on this was found that our second elected Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahdur Shastri was also born on the same date. Of late, even 14th April is declared National Holiday every year on ad-hoc basis. This is declared on account of the birthday of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar who is considered as the author of our constitution.

I always used to wonder why the birth dates of any leader should be declared as a holiday. More so in line with the people of my generation I was little knowing about Mahatma Gandhi or Shastri or Ambedkar. Curiosity to learn about Mahatma Gandhi was generated after hearing the word Gandhigiri from a popular Hindi film.

In the fist instant I thought this is a code word being used by the gangsters. On watching the film, I found that actually the word has been used for a lifestyle preached by Mahatma Gandhi.

This year 2nd October is being celebrated at United Nation as INTERNATIONAL WORLD NON-VILANCE DAY. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi the national president of present day congress shall address united Nation on this day. All this made me more curious to find out more about Mahatma Gandhi depicted as an old man in the film.

Actual name of Mahatma Gandhi is Mohandas Karm Chand Gandhi. He was born in 1869 into the family of the Dewan of Porbander. His early education was mostly in English. His father has died when he was still in his teens. Due to this, he was handed over the charge of his father i.e. Prime-Minister of Porbander state. However, due to British takeover of the state, he had no other alternative but to pursue higher education.

For this, on advice from a family friend he moved to study law at London. He has taken a vow not to touch meat, wine and woman. This was followed by him in letter and spirit throughout the life which had a greater influence in shaping his character. He became a barrister after completing his education and being admitted in bar at London.

However due to the death of his mother, he came back to and started practice in which he failed. He soon left for South Africa which was a turning point in his life. Here on account of various circumstances in conjunction with his experiences in childhood and influence of his mother gave birth to the lifestyle what was termed as Gandhi an Politics. Due to the discrimination on the basis of color and race resulting in horrible condition to indigenous people and Indians, he joined active politics.

Initially, he was only writing letters articles in the news paper, organizing lectures and debates etc. His activities were appreciated by all the parties in India as well as South Africa. He got warm reception during his tour to India. Later in South Africa he started non violent protests against various discriminating laws. The movement had wonderful impact as it was a total new method of opposition the weapon against which was not known to the oppressing class.

The unique way of protesting by fast unto death not picking weapon speaking the truth, cooperation and non cooperation as per the need of time made the British and other rulers to think in a different direction. He used the same weapon in fighting independence in the country after return to India. This weapon of truth and non-cooperation was also used to spread the message of social upliftment and brotherhood. The weapon was as well used for communal harmony in the country. This had wonderful impact on British who left the country for local rule. People of our generation can not imagine the period of slavery. The society can fully transform in case the message of Gandhi is spread even if as Gandhigiri.

As the amusement about celebrating the birth anniversary is also clarified, I pay my homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 138th Birth anniversary with the above words.