is celebrated on Oct. 2 every year and is one of the three official declared national holidays of India and is observed in all its states and union territories. The other two holidays are Independence Day Aug. 15 and Republic Day Jan. 26. Gandhi Jayanti marks the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth on Oct. 2, 1869. Gandhi is remembered for his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and is considered to be the father of the nation. Some people say we should work on Gandhiji's birth anniversary. But, unfortunately, the great leader is remembered only once a year on Oct 2. In the absence of a holiday, it is possible that we would forget him even on that day. It is true that Gandhiji gave his reverence to the work of the people. The holiday on his birthday is to honor his ideals and austerity rather than making this a big issue. The nation's political leaders must give their attention to other crises, which will be a tribute to the father of our nation.
