I believe that Mahatma Gandhi is still as relevant in today’s world as he was in his lifetime: Narendra Modi
Ever since he took over as the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi ensured that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, principles and teachings are held aloft, both in India and abroad, through his speeches and actions.
The National Salt Satyagraha Memorial, dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on January 30, 2019, recreatesthe spirit and the energy of one of the defining moments of India’s freedom struggle. It is a depiction of the Dandi March by the Mahatma, and 80 of his fellow Satyagrahis – the occasion when a pinch of salt rocked the colonial rule.
The Salt Satyagraha Memorial is just one of many initiatives taken by the Prime Minister, which carry forward the legacy of the Mahatma.
Modi’s pet project, Swacchh Bharat Abhiyan, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, was launched on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2014 in New Delhi. While launching this scheme, he had said “A clean India would be the best tribute India could pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150thbirth anniversary in 2019”.
On Gandhi Jayanti, we launched Swachh Bharat Mission, a historic mass movement integrating 125 crore Indians to create a Clean India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2014
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, I am pleased to launch this Clean India Campaign. Come, devote time for a Clean India. #MyCleanIndia
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2014
Let us join Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan with a spirit of patriotism & fulfil Gandhi ji's dream of a Clean India. https://t.co/sKxTVaf0p2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2014
Thanks to Narendra Modi, Swachhta has become a mass movement, reminiscent indeed of the days of Mahatma Gandhi, when the quest for freedom had become a mass movement. For the past four and half years, the scheme has been transforming the length and breadth of India. It has resulted in heightened awareness among the general public. States have competed vigorously in the race to become Open Defecation Free, and India is now close to achieving 100 percent rural sanitation coverage. https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/973583560308293632
Every state is undertaking unique efforts towards achieving ODF targets. We can learn from these best practices and give strength to the mass movement of creating a Swachh Bharat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2018
The movement for a cleaner India and ensuring better sanitation facilities is a people’s movement.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2018
It is the 130 crore Indians, particularly women and youngsters who have taken the lead in this movement.
I congratulate all those working to fulfil the dream of a Swachh Bharat. https://t.co/2a6wzwzV44
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has brought every Indian together. It has become a people's movement and there has been remarkable progress across all states, including in toilet construction and becoming ODF. pic.twitter.com/fcCO88v11T
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2018
Khadi was a subject that Mahatma Gandhi brought to the core of India’s consciousness during the freedom struggle. The interest in Khadi had waned since those heady days. But it has been revived by the Prime Minister, especially through his speeches. Modi used his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, to encourage people to buy Khadi products and thereby emphasizing on the revival of Khadi and cottage industries. Modi’s call had such an impact that the sale of Khadi products showed a quantum jump.
This Gandhi Jayanti, let us buy a Khadi product and bring prosperity in the lives of the poor. #MannKiBaat https://t.co/XRu2jOOaFg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2017
These details about record Khadi sales will make you extremely happy! #MannKiBaat https://t.co/JIolZ9F1SZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2017
Here's what I said about the handloom sector & Khadi at the Townhall programme yesterday. #NationalHandloomDayhttps://t.co/nfXTvHGAjo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2016
At the Ahmedabad Shopping Festival I too could not resist from shopping! Purchased some Khadi products using the RuPay card.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2019
I urge you all- keep buying Khadi and contribute to the empowerment of lakhs of weavers associated with the industry. It is also a great tribute to Bapu! pic.twitter.com/DVTAIwFJz2
Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th anniversary is being celebrated as a two year event, with many programmes outlined to celebrate the occasion. To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) was held in New Delhi from 29 September to 2 October, 2018. The 4-day event saw ministers and sanitation sector leaders from all around the world participating and share their experiments and experiences.
The Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention is a milestone programme, which has brought together stakeholders from all over the world, adding strength to the movement towards global sanitation. #Gandhi150 pic.twitter.com/H8jolVpPLy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2018
Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn ‘Vaishnav Jan To’, went global, with artists from over 124 countries contributing musically to it. The project created a global appeal to a beautiful Indian bhajan.
Bapu unites the world!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2018
Among the highlights of today’s programme was the excellent rendition of Bapu’s favourite 'Vaishnav Jan To' by artists from 124 nations.
This is a must hear. #Gandhi150 pic.twitter.com/BBaXK0TOf9
Modi also brought the Sabarmati Ashram, set up by Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad, to the forefront of Indian diplomacy. In his presence, key global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, have visited Sabarmati Ashram to pay homage to the Mahatma. In fact, the Chinese President described his visit to Sabarmati Ashram as one of the most memorable and enlightening moments of his life. The pictures of the Prime Minister and various world leaders using the spinning wheel, brought back memories of Gandhi’s use of the spinning wheel as a symbol of self-reliance.
In the evening, President Xi Jinping got a glimpse of Gujarati culture during the visit to Sabarmati Riverfront. https://t.co/dNojyh0NWN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 17, 2014
Gujarat extends a warm welcome to Mrs. Netanyahu and PM @netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/aiw8Opb8ku
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2018
PM @netanyahu trying his hand at kite flying. Like a kite soaring high, India-Israel friendship is scaling new heights and will benefit not only our citizens but also the entire humankind. pic.twitter.com/gOLRsjMGpE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2018
Had the honour of taking Mrs. Abe and PM @AbeShinzo to the Sabarmati Ashram & showing them this iconic place. pic.twitter.com/RFsFA8KpHg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017
Welcomed Mrs. Abe and PM @AbeShinzo to India. #SwagatShinzoSan pic.twitter.com/FsxEGwp01V
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017
From Brisbane to Hannover to Ashgabat, the Prime Minister has unveiled busts or statues of Bapu, creating a lasting awareness about the Mahatma, overseas. https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/533948745717526528
Was very happy to join the programme to inaugurate a Traditional Medicine & Yoga Centre in Ashgabat. https://t.co/1uoB0ntxdG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2015
A Mahatma Gandhi Museum was inaugurated at Alfred High School, Rajkot in 2018. This was the school from where Mahatma Gandhi passed his matriculation in 1887.
Inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Rajkot. The Museum is at the Alfred High School, which is associated with the early years of Gandhi Ji.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2018
The next time you visit Rajkot, do visit this museum. pic.twitter.com/oNeZOP6Njr
The Prime Minister has put into practice the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and showcased how his ideas remain relevant even in 21st century. He has used Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings to mobilize people and to further the mission of creating a New India. His actions have actualized Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and values.
Modi’s own words written in his blog on October 2, 2018 shows his vision in promoting the legacy of Bapuji. He wrote “India is a land of diversity. If there was one person who brought everyone together, made people rise above differences, to fight colonialism and enhanced India's stature at the world stage, it was Mahatma Gandhi. Today, we, the 1.3 billion Indians are committed to working together to fulfil the dreams Bapu saw for a country for which he gave his life."
