Gandhi Jayanti celebrations live updates: Gandhiji once said he would give priority to sanitation over freedom, PM Modi remembers Bapu

Today marks the beginning of the 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi's birth.

On the occasion of the 149th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, several events will be organised across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also take part in the programmes related to sanitation and renewable energy. The emphasis will be on the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' mission as the day marks the beginning of the 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi's birth.

The Prime Minister attended the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention -- a four-day international conference that has brought together sanitation ministers and other leaders from around the world. At the event, he took a tour of a mini digital exhibition, accompanied by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi will be launched and a CD based on his favourite hymn 'Vaishnav Jan' will be distributed at the event. The Swachh Bharat Awards will also be distributed on this occasion. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. 

02 October 2018

12:59 IST

After paying homage at Rajghat in Delhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh visited the Gandhi Ashram Bapu Kuti in Wardha in Maharashtra.

#Maharashtra: Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Gandhi Ashram Bapu Kuti in Wardha pic.twitter.com/BGpzYVOn00

— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018

12:24 IST

PM Modi: Four years ago, 60% of the world's open defecation was in India, today it is less than 20%. In these four years, not only have the toilets been made and villages have become ODF, but more than 90% of toilets are being used regularly also.