Gandhi-Shastri Jayanti Observed at Information Department with Floral Tributes
Call to Embrace the Message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ and Truth & Non-Violence
Officials and Employees Pledge to Uphold Truth, Non-Violence and Nation First
Information Department Pays Tribute to Two Great Leaders on October 2
Additional Director Arvind Kumar Mishra Highlights the Life and Values of Gandhi and Shastri
Message to Embrace Cleanliness, Self-Reliance and the Spirit of Nation First
Lucknow, October 2, 2026
Under the guidance of Information Director Vishal Singh, the Information and Public Relations Department, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, observed the birth anniversaries of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri with श्रद्धा, enthusiasm and dignity.
The programme, organised at the auditorium of the Information and Public Relations Department headquarters, began with Additional Director Arvind Kumar Mishra offering floral tributes and garlanding the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Officers and employees present on the occasion also paid their respects by offering flowers to the two great leaders. The programme also featured a rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye.”
Addressing the gathering, Additional Director Arvind Kumar Mishra elaborated on the lives, contributions and personalities of both national leaders. He said that Mahatma Gandhi’s life symbolised truth, non-violence, sacrifice and simplicity. Through Satyagraha, Gandhi not only contributed to India’s struggle for independence but also demonstrated to the world the path of peaceful resistance. His spinning wheel, walking stick and ideals continue to remain deeply associated with India’s national consciousness. Gandhi taught that the purity of means is as important as the end itself. His emphasis on cleanliness, he noted, continues to find expression through initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Speaking about former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mishra said that Shastri rose from a humble background and led the country through his exceptional ability, honesty and sense of duty. His immortal slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” continues to represent the importance of national security and food security. He boosted the morale of the armed forces and recognised farmers as the nation’s food providers.
Highlighting Shastri’s simplicity and integrity, Mishra said that even while serving as Prime Minister, he remained committed to public service and never allowed his position to become a means of personal privilege. His life demonstrates how a person can occupy the highest office while remaining humble and connected to the people.
Additional Director Mishra observed that it was a remarkable coincidence that two great personalities who gave a new direction to India’s history were born on October 2. While Gandhi played a central role in India’s freedom movement, Shastri contributed to strengthening the foundations of independent India. Both leaders demonstrated through their lives that public office is a means of service and not personal enjoyment.
He called upon all officers and employees of the Information Department to incorporate Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence and Shastri’s values of simplicity and dedication into their professional conduct. He said that the Information Department serves as a bridge between the government and the public, making it essential for its personnel to work with complete dedication, transparency and sensitivity.
He further urged everyone to incorporate cleanliness, self-reliance and the spirit of “Nation First” into their daily lives, describing these values as a true tribute to the two great leaders.
At the conclusion of the programme, all officers and employees took a pledge to follow the path of truth and non-violence and to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation.
Senior Finance and Accounts Officer Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Directors Anurag Prasad and Atreya Mishra, Assistant Directors Satish Chandra Bharti and Chandra Mohan, Dr. Jitendra Pratap Singh, C.L. Singh, Prabhat Srivastava, Amit Kumar Yadav, Film Producer Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Film Production Manager Sandeep Pandey, along with other officers and employees of the department, were present on the occasion.
