Mumbai, October 2: Today, October 2, is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, also popularly called the "Father of the Nation." Mahatma Gandhi was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1869 in Gujarat's Pondar. Every year, October 2nd, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is observed as Gandhi Jayanti across the country. This year, it will be the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, or Gandhi Jayanti as it is known, is a national holiday.

Every year, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday is celebrated with much fervour and gaiety across the nation. Gandhi Jayanti is observed by celebrating and commemorating the life of Mahatma Gandhi, one of India's greatest freedom fighters. On this day, government offices and other institutions remain closed while several programmes are held to honour the "Father of the Nation" and observe Gandhi Jayanti. As the country celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's 154th birthday today, we take a look at some interesting facts about "Bapu." Gandhi Jayanti 2023: Opposition INDIA Bloc To Take Out ‘I Am Gandhi’ Peace March in Mumbai on October 2 on 154th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Interesting Facts About 'Father of the Nation' on Gandhi Jayanti

  • Mahatma Gandhi, whose birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, is commemorated worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence.

  • Nationalist, political ethicist, student, and freedom fighter are some facets of Mahatma Gandhi's illustrious life.

  • Gandhi's sister Raliatbehn described young Mohandas as "restless as mercury, either playing or roaming about."

  • Did you know what was Mahatma Gandhi's favourite pastime? As a child, Mahatma Gandhi's favourite pastime was to twist dogs' ears.

  • Mahatma Gandhi underwent schooling at the Alfred High School in Gujarat's Rajkot town. As a student, Gandhi's only companions were his books and the lessons he learned at school.

  • At the age of 13, Mahatma Gandhi tied the knot with Kasturba Gandhi, then Kasturbai Makhanji Kapadia. The couple had four sons.

  • Did you know Mahatma Gandhi lost his first child? In 1885, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lost his father Karamchand at 16. At the same time, Gandhi and his wife had their first baby; however, the child survived only a few days.

  • After graduating, Mahatma Gandhi spent three years in London, where he studied law. However, his career in law took a hit when Gandhi's attempt to establish a law practice in Bombay failed as he was "unable to cross-examine witnesses."

  • Mahatma Gandhi began his law practice in South Africa when he was offered a job as a lawyer by Dada Abdullah, who owned a large and successful shipping business.

  • Gandhi lived in South Africa for nearly 22 years. It was in South Africa that Gandhi shaped his political views, work ethics, and politics. He even faced racial discrimination due to his skin colour. However, Gandhi stood his ground and fought racial discrimination.

  • Did you know Mahatma Gandhi was named 'Man of The Year'? In 1930, the prestigious Time Magazine named Gandhi 'Man of The Year'.

  • Mahatma Gandhi, who was lovingly called "Bapu," joined India's freedom struggle, but his movement was not restricted to ousting the British regime only. As a freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi promoted the virtues of non-violence (ahimsa) and tolerance.

  • The "Father of the nation" was at the forefront of several movements in the country, including the non-cooperation movement, civil disobedience movement, and Quit India movement.

  • Mahatma Gandhi was a vegetarian. The legendary freedom fighter ate only vegetarian food. In his book, "The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism," Gandhi said that he consumed fresh vegetables, curd, fruits, seeds, and nuts throughout his life.

  • There are several roads in India and abroad that are named after Mahatma Gandhi, with many streets being abbreviated as "MG Road." Gandhi Jayanti 2023: President Droupadi Murmu Extends Greetings to Citizens on 154th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Says ‘Let Us Pledge To Follow His Values and Teachings’.

Did you know Mahatma Gandhi was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. However, he never won even even one of them. He was nominated in 1937, 1938, 1939, and 1947. He was also nominated in his death year in 1948, a year after India attained Independence in 1947. As the country remembers Mahatma Gandhi today, we at LatestLY, wish you all a very Happy Gandhi Jayanti 2023!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2023 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).