Bapu’s path is the only antidote to hatred: Mallikarjun Kharge pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary, recalling the values he stood for.

Taking to X Kharge wrote, “The Vaishnava is the one who is called truly Vaishnava. Who feels the pain of others, Who helps those in suffering, And whose mind never harbours pride”. He added that the hatred which separated the nation from Bapu could only be countered only on Gandhi’s path.

“The very hatred that separated us from Bapu. Its only antidote lies on Bapu’s own path, The light of truth, the strength of non-violence, and the compassion of love. Tribute to the Father of the Nation on Martyrs’ Day,” he said.

वैश्णव जन तो तेने कहिये जे
पीड़ परायी जाणे रे
पर-दुख्खे उपकार करे तोये
मन अभिमान ना आणे रे

जिस नफ़रत ने हमें बापू से जुदा किया,
उसका तोड़ भी बापू की ही राह है…
सत्य का उजाला, अहिंसा की ताक़त, और प्रेम की करुणा।

बलिदान दिवस पर राष्ट्रपिता को नमन। #MartyrsDay pic.twitter.com/WZf3vuPYzp

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 30, 2026

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary, saying that his emphasis on ‘Swadeshi’ is the “fundamental pillar of self-reliant India.”

“My hundredfold salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. Revered Bapu always laid strong emphasis on Swadeshi, which is also a fundamental pillar of our resolve for a developed and self-reliant India. His personality and deeds will forever continue to inspire the people of the country to walk the path of duty,” PM Modi wrote on X.

In another X post, the Prime Minister hailed Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence. “Revered Bapu always emphasised non-violence for the protection of humanity. There is such power in it that can change the world without weapons. Ahimsa param dharmast-thahimsa parantpah, ahimsa paramam satyam yato dharmah pravartate (Nonviolence is the ultimate duty, nonviolence is the ultimate austerity. Nonviolence is the ultimate truth, and it advances the cause of righteousness),” he wrote.

Senior Minister JP Nadda also paid tribute to the Mahatma, “On the sacred death anniversary of the worshipper of humanity, the embodiment of sacrifice and penance, the pioneer of Swadeshi and self-reliance, the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji, I offer him millions of salutations. Revered Bapu, through his ideal and exemplary personality and deeds, spread the message of lifelong truth, non-violence, peace and goodwill across the world. His great thoughts continue to illuminate the path for the countrymen in building a self-reliant and developed India even today. His life philosophy, dedicated to the service of the nation, will forever inspire us to walk on the path of morality, tolerance and service to the people.”

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a leading figure in India’s freedom movement, succumbed to bullets on January 30, 2026. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse while he was on his way to daily prayers. January 30 is marked as Martyr’s Day.

On the occasion of his 78th death anniversary, the Centre will hold an all-religious prayer (Sarva-Dharma-Prarthana) and Martyr’s Day Ceremony, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and Rajghat Samadhi Committee Chairman Manohar Lal, at the Rajghat in the national capital. (ANI)