Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 142nd birth anniversary

New Delhi: The nation on Sunday paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 142nd birth anniversary.

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other political leaders offered floral tributes at his memorial ``Raj Ghat`` here. Leaders of various religions also offered prayers at the ``Gandhi samadhi`` here. A large number of people including school children also visited Rajghat and observed a minute``s silence to pay their homage. Several functions have been organised throughout the country in Mahatma Gandhi``s honour. The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as the ``Father of the Nation``, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 with reverence all over the country. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as ``Bapu``, or Gandhiji, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbander, Gujarat. Gandhiji was a preacher of truth (Satyagraha) and ``ahimsa`` (non-violence). He started the ``Satyagraha`` movement for the Indian freedom struggle. He believed in living a simple life and in ``Swadeshi``. He proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence - a true symbol of peace and truth! The United Nations had declared in 2007 that October 2 would be observed as ``International Day of Non-Violence``. ANI