New Delhi, Jan 30: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Mahatma Gandhi represents a timeless philosophy that forces of hatred, authoritarianism, and imperial power have failed to erase across history.
Paying tribute to the Father of the Nation on Martyrs’ Day, Rahul Gandhi described Mahatma Gandhi as the “immortal soul of India” and said his greatest gift to the nation, apart from Independence, was the belief that truth holds greater power than authority. He added that courage and non-violence will always prevail over fear and violence.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said Gandhi’s way of thinking remains indestructible because it is deeply rooted in India’s conscience and moral fabric.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage, sharing lines from a bhajan often sung by Mahatma Gandhi. He said the path to overcoming hatred lies in Gandhi’s teachings of truth, compassion, and non-violence.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined party leaders in offering tributes on the death anniversary of the Mahatma.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalled letters written in 1948 by Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, highlighting concerns raised at the time over the activities of the Hindu Mahasabha and the RSS following Gandhi’s assassination. Ramesh also referenced Nehru’s radio address delivered on the night of January 30, 1948.
Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of Satya and Ahimsa remain vital in countering the culture of hatred and violence. He warned that attempts to diminish Gandhi’s legacy have failed and will continue to do so, as his values remain embedded in India’s national consciousness.
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948. India observes January 30 as Martyrs’ Day to honour his life, ideals, and sacrifice for peace, justice, and freedom.