Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Martyrs’ Day, invoking the ideals of truth, non-violence and compassion of the Father of the Nation, and said the antidote to hatred lies in following Gandhi’s path.
In a post on X, Kharge recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings through a well-known devotional verse associated with Gandhian values, highlighting empathy and selfless service. “Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je peer paraayi jaane re, par dukhkhe upkaar kare toye, mann abhimaan na aane re,” he wrote, underlining the moral duty to feel others’ pain and help without pride.
Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the Congress chief drew a sharp message for contemporary times, saying the forces of hatred that separated the nation from Bapu, must be countered through his ideals. “Jis nafrat ne humein Bapu se juda kiya, uska tod bhi Bapu ki hi raah hai,” Kharge said.
He described that path as one illuminated by truth and strengthened by non-violence and love. “Satya ka ujaala, ahimsa ki taqat, aur prem ki karuna,” the Congress president added, calling these values essential for India’s moral and social fabric.
Kharge concluded his message by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. “Balidan Diwas par Rashtrapita ko naman,” he said.
January 30 is observed as Martyrs’ Day to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Leaders across political parties traditionally pay tribute to Gandhi, whose principles of truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), and compassion shaped India’s freedom struggle and continue to influence its democratic ethos.
Kharge’s message comes amid ongoing political debates over social harmony and national values, with the Congress leader reiterating his party’s emphasis on Gandhian philosophy as a counter to division and intolerance. By invoking Gandhi’s moral framework, Kharge sought to underline the continued relevance of Bapu’s teachings in addressing present-day challenges facing the country.
