Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati led the state in paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi saying the government was working to ensure welfare scheme benefits reach the last rung of society.
At a special function held on the premises of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the governor, chief minister, Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and ministers paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Shastri.
In a post on X, Kambhampati said, On the birth anniversary of M K Gandhi Ji, I pay my heartfelt tribute to his enduring ideals of truth, non-violence and peace. May his timeless values continue to inspire us all.
On the birth anniversary of M. K. Gandhi Ji, I pay my heartfelt tribute to his enduring ideals of Truth, Nonviolence and Peace. May his timeless values continue to inspire us all. pic.twitter.com/grmNbMoDoE
— Governor Odisha (@GovernorOdisha) October 2, 2026
While paying tribute to Shastri Ji, he said the former prime minister’s simplicity, integrity and unwavering dedication to the nation will continue to inspire generations. His call of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ remains a timeless tribute to the strength and spirit of India, Kambhampati said.
The chief minister said that Mahatma Gandhi not only secured Independence for India but also offered the entire world a new guiding vision based on morality, ‘Satyagraha’ and non-cooperation.
On the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, we pay tribute to the former Prime Minister whose simplicity, integrity and unwavering dedication to the nation continue to inspire generations. His call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” remains a timeless tribute to the strength and… pic.twitter.com/Bj3g3DCvso
— Governor Odisha (@GovernorOdisha) October 2, 2026
He noted that Gandhiji’s primary aspirations were to serve those at the last rung of society, maintain cleanliness, and embrace indigenous products.
Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these dreams of Gandhiji are being realised, Majhi said, adding that the cleanliness drive has transformed into a mass movement across the country, and the ‘Swadeshi’ mantra is playing a pivotal role in building a self-reliant India.
The Chief Minister affirmed that our continuous efforts to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India will persist, guided by the ideals of truth and non-violence championed by Gandhiji, and the dedication to duty and service to the nation exemplified by Shastriji.
BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, in a post on X, said, Humble tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest proponent of peace and non-violence on Gandhi Jayanti.
His immortal ideals transcend race, religion and country. His message of non-
violence, peace, tolerance and unwavering dedication to the cause of India’s freedom struggle will continue to inspire generations to come.
Patnaik also paid his tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. He was known for his simplicity, honesty in public life and dedication to the service of the nation. His call of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ will continue to be the guiding force, the former chief minister said.
Different political parties, socio-cultural organisations, youth clubs and other associations held different programmes to observe the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri in different parts of the state.