The Impressive TimesNew Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on Friday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and several other MPs and former Members of Parliament also paid their respects to the two national leaders.
Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh and Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody were also present on the occasion and paid floral tributes.
Addressing more than 500 students participating in the ‘Know Your Leaders’ programme, Om Birla encouraged young people to study the lives and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri and draw inspiration from their contribution to the nation.
Birla said the presence of students in the historic Central Hall offered them an opportunity to connect with India’s democratic and constitutional heritage.
Speaking about Mahatma Gandhi, the Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted the relevance of his commitment to truth, morality, non-violence and Satyagraha. He said Gandhi demonstrated that a movement rooted in truth and non-violence could provide direction to India’s freedom struggle and later influence movements for freedom and justice around the world.
He urged students to understand Gandhi’s philosophy and apply its lessons of self-reflection, discipline, perseverance and determination while dealing with challenges in their own lives.
Recalling the contribution of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Birla highlighted the former Prime Minister’s simplicity, honesty, discipline, sense of duty and firmness in decision-making.
He referred to Shastri’s iconic “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” call, saying it provided direction to the country during a difficult period and emphasised the importance of national and food security.
Birla said access to technology, knowledge and resources alone cannot guarantee success. According to him, patience, ethical conduct, discipline, determination and sustained effort are equally important for achieving long-term goals.
He urged young people not to allow setbacks, disappointment or fatigue to weaken their resolve and stressed that social responsibility should remain central to their personal and professional journeys.
The Speaker called upon the participants to take the message of the programme back to their schools and communities and contribute actively to nation-building.
As part of the programme, 36 selected young participants spoke about the lives, ideals, thoughts and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. They shared their perspectives on how the two leaders continue to inspire generations in India and across the world.
The Speaker urged the students to leave the historic hall with renewed confidence, energy and determination to fulfil their responsibilities and contribute towards building a developed India.
Earlier in the day, Om Birla visited Rajghat and Vijay Ghat to pay his respects at the samadhis of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri respectively.
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