150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi (2 October 2018 - 2 October, 2020 )

Background

1. Hon’ble Prime Minister, during his first address to the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 68th Independence Day, urged the people to keep their surroundings clean and green. Mahatma Gandhi Ji had cleanliness and sanitation closest to his heart and for him Cleanliness is next to Godliness. It will be a great tribute to Bapu on his 150th Birth Anniversary by accelerating the Youth led movement for Freedom from Filthiness across India.

2. A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary on 18th April, 2018 in the Committee Room, Cabinet Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi to discuss about various activities which can be taken up by Ministries/ Departments to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

3. Secretary (Youth Affairs), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports informed that Gandhiji's ethics, ideals and the spirit of voluntary work among the youth should be promoted and they should be encouraged to follow and adapt them as way of life. Besides, Principles enunciated by Gandhi ji for Young India and Hind Swaraj can be propagated among the youth.

Similarly, programmes at places associated with Gandhi ji and their importance should be organized and events from Gandhiji's life can be recreated at these places. In National Integration Camps a clear module on Gandhi's life and work should be planned, which for example may include a quiz contest on Gandhi Ji - his life and work. Motivation and leadership programmes in which a module on Gandhian ethics and messages should be conducted.

Objectives

The broad objectives are as follows:

To disseminate information about life and works of Mahatma Gandhi among the youth.
To make youth aware of cleanliness, sanitation, elimination of manual scavenging and promotion of ODF.
To give them exposure and orientation to understand essential oneness of all religions, social harmony, community service, and above all unity in diversity of Indian life.
To make youth aware of the threat posed by disruptive forces and make them prepared to safeguard the common heritage (Sanjhi Virasat) of the country.
To sensitize youth to fight against social evils prevailing in the society.

Two year long Gandhi Jayanti Celebration will start from 2nd October, 2018 and culminate on 2nd October 2020.