Modi’s Learnings from the Mahatma: Gandhi’s Quotes from PM’s Diary | Bapu’s Death Anniversary

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, his diary entries show how the ‘Father of the Nation’ has continued to inspire the leader over the years.

Every year on October 2, the nation marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi). Gandhi, being a forerunner of non-violence and truth, founded the Satyagraha and Ahimsa movement during the Indian liberation struggle. As the Father of the Nation, he spearheaded India’s independence struggle alongside many other national leaders in opposition to British rule in India.

PM Modi wrote on X: “I pay homage to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. I also pay homage to all those who have been martyred for our nation. Their sacrifices inspire us to serve the people and fulfil their vision for our nation.”

X handle Modi Archives put out a post: “@narendramodi’s personal diary, which demonstrate that not only did he extensively read #MahatmaGandhi, but he also wrote down Gandhi’s quotes in his personal diary as something of inspirational value to him. These entries continued to guide his interactions later on.”

Among the quotes noted down by Modi are:

• I have no weapon but love to wield authority over anyone.
• I am devoted to none but Truth and I owe no discipline to anybody but Truth.
• My greed of non-violence is an extremely active force, it has, no room for cowardice or even weakness. There is hope for a violent man to be some day non-violent, But there is none for a coward.
• There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.
• I do not believe in the doctrine of the greatest good of the greatest number. The only real, dignified, human doctrine is the greatest good of all.
• If blood be shed let it be our own. Let us cultivate the calm courage to die without killing.

On Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2 last year, Modi had said that Gandhi’s timeless teachings continue to illuminate our path.

He had posted on X: “Mahatma Gandhi’s impact is global, motivating the entire humankind to further the spirit of unity and compassion. May we always work towards fulfilling his dreams. May his thoughts enable every youngster be the agent of change he dreamt of, fostering unity and harmony all over.”