India’s missions in Bangladesh observed the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with a range of activities, including a beach-cleaning drive in Chattogram, highlighting his enduring message of peace, non-violence, harmony and service.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Khulna, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rajshahi observed Gandhi Jayanti under the #SevaPakhwada2026 initiative.
As part of the nationwide “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, the Assistant High Commission of India in Chattogram organised a beach-cleaning drive at Patenga Sea Beach on Thursday under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachha Bharat, Vikasit Bharat.”
The Assistant High Commissioner, along with officers and staff members of the Assistant High Commission, participated in the drive, joined by around 100 students from CIDER International School.
The participants collected plastic, polythene and other waste scattered across the beach and deposited the waste at designated locations.
Participants were provided with “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign T-shirts, while the Chattogram Metropolitan Police and Tourist Police supported the initiative.
The activities were held from 9am to 11am on October 1.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi said Bangladesh solemnly remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary, noting that the values he espoused and fought for throughout his life in India and beyond “remain evergreen” and continue to inspire people across generations.
It said Gandhi’s approach to empathy extended to both nature and people, while his legacy of defending syncretism and promoting peace, harmony and tolerance remains crucial.
In a message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, Indian President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, saying his life and ideals are widely respected by the global community.
“Today, an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations. In these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant,” she said.
The Indian president said India is advancing towards its national goal of becoming “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, with priority being given to empathy and inclusion so that no citizen is deprived of the benefits of development.
She said the vision reflects the spirit of Gandhi’s ideal of “Sarvodaya”, based on the principle of the welfare and upliftment of all.
“On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an empowered, developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat through our ethical conduct and active participation,” Murmu said.
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, and is widely remembered for his philosophy of non-violence and his role in India’s independence movement.