Governor Gulab Chand Kataria paid floral tributes to both great leaders on their birth anniversary.
A commemorative ceremony was held today at Punjab Raj Bhavan to mark the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bharat Ratna Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. On this occasion, Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria offered floral tributes to both the great leaders.
In a simple ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Shri Kataria along with the officers and staff of Raj Bhavan paid homage to the two eminent personalities.
The Governor said that Mahatma Gandhi was not just a saint, social reformer, politician, and visionary, but truly a world-transforming figure. His thoughts and actions influenced not only India but the entire world. The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Sri Lanka’s freedom struggle, Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights movement in America, Nelson Mandela’s leadership, and even global icons like the Dalai Lama, Albert Einstein, and Barack Obama— all drew inspiration from Gandhi.
Quoting an inspiring thought from Gandhi’s life, the Governor said Gandhi always emphasized the importance of deeds, habits, and character in shaping destiny. He believed: “Sow a deed, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”
The Governor added that for Gandhi, freedom was not merely about the departure of the British, but about awakening the consciousness that people must become the makers of their own destiny. It was from this vision that he advocated Gram Swaraj (village self-rule) and self-reliance. For him, khadi was not just a fabric but a symbol of self-sufficiency and self-respect.
Highlighting the relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy, Kataria said that at a time when the world is witnessing rising violence and intolerance, adopting Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence has become all the more essential. That is why the United Nations decided to observe Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Governor said that he was a true Gandhian who dedicated his entire life to simplicity and service. Though his tenure as Prime Minister lasted only about 18 months, it was truly remarkable. His contribution to the freedom movement was unforgettable, and his slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” continues to hold as much relevance today as it did then.
The Governor further said that if the present and future generations imbibe the ideals and values of Gandhi and Shastri, India will undoubtedly emerge as a strong and prosperous nation.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh, along with other officers and staff of Raj Bhavan, were also present.
