Mahatma Gandhi remembered on 140th birth anniversary

Its a national holiday today to mark the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of the Nation". October 2 is also declared by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition L K Advani were among the prominent persons who offered floral tributes at Rajghat, the memorial of the Mahatma, on his 140th birth anniversary.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, Defence Minister A K Antony, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Ministers of State Shashi Tharoor and Krishna Tirath also visited the memorial to offer their respects, according to the Press Trust of India.

Greeting the country on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, President Pratibha Patil urged people to reflect on the life and work of Gandhi.

"Whenever I remember Bapu, particularly on this day, I am always overwhelmed by his leadership, philosophy and values. His leadership inspired millions to unite for the cause of freedom and independence," Patil said

"He also taught us to stand resolutely against fear, to understand the importance of truth and to work for the eradication of poverty, illiteracy and discrimination."

Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to non–violence and truth even in the most extreme situations. Non–cooperation and peaceful resistance were Gandhi's "weapons" in the fight against injustice.

Praising Gandhi, US President Barack Obama on Thursday said America has its "roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi."

"His teachings and ideals, shared with Martin Luther King Jr. on his 1959 pilgrimage to India, transformed American society through our civil rights movement," Obama said in a statement.

Gandhi was born in Porbandar on October 2, 1869. Gandhi was a strong advocate against caste discrimination in Indian society