Bareilly: Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri were remembered on their birth anniversaries at the Divisional Commissioner’s office in Bareilly on Friday. Divisional Commissioner Shambhu Kumar hoisted the national flag at the commissioner’s office premises and paid floral tributes to freedom fighters at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
He also offered floral tributes to portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, recalling their contributions to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
Addressing officials and employees, Kumar said Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated across the country to honour the ideals of truth, honesty and non-violence upheld by the Father of the Nation. He highlighted Gandhi’s role in leading several movements during the freedom struggle and said his philosophy of truth and non-violent resistance had inspired movements for social justice, peace and equality across the world.
The commissioner said Gandhi Jayanti was not merely a national celebration but an occasion to incorporate Gandhi’s principles into everyday life. He noted that October 2 was also observed internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence, reflecting Gandhi’s enduring message that conflicts could be resolved through dialogue and peaceful protest rather than violence.
Kumar also highlighted Gandhi’s emphasis on simple living and the use of indigenous products. Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri, he referred to his contributions to India’s agricultural self-reliance and recalled his message that meaningful social change must begin with individual responsibility.
He further spoke about Gandhi’s faith in the Bhagavad Gita, encouraging people to draw inspiration from its teachings and apply them in their lives.
Officials and employees of the Divisional Commissioner’s office were present at the programme.
Report: Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly
