Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. Posting on X, he said Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, simplicity and Swadeshi still guide the country.

“May Bapu’s timeless message keep guiding us towards a better society and a Viksit Bharat,” Modi wrote. In a video message, he said every child in the country knows the importance of October 2. He added that Gandhi’s ideology has inspired the entire world.

Modi recalled Gandhi’s push for Swadeshi and Khadi. He urged people to buy a Khadi product on October 2. “Proudly say, ‘This is Swadeshi’,” he said.

In a separate post, Modi called Gandhi’s life “a beacon of truth, non-violence, compassion, and service”. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute. He extended greetings on the International Day of Non-Violence.

October 2 is observed worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence. Equity, debt and derivative trading in India stayed closed for the day in observance of Gandhi Jayanti.