On October 2, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Gandhi Jayanti, linking the freedom leader’s ideals of Swadeshi and self-reliance with the state government’s efforts to strengthen villages and panchayats, or local rural councils.
In a post on X, Sarma wrote, “Remembering Pujya Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti.” He said India, guided by Gandhi’s vision, was moving toward a new era of “Swadeshi and Atmanirbharta,” while stressing that development must reach people at the grassroots. Swadeshi promotes domestically produced goods, while Atmanirbharta means self-reliance.
Sarma highlighted the role of panchayats in delivering welfare and development programs. According to him, the Finance Commission allocated more than ₹525 crore in 2025 to Assam’s panchayats to support grassroots welfare initiatives.
The chief minister said his government would continue strengthening rural institutions and empowering them to become more resilient and self-reliant. “We will continue to follow his footsteps, empowering our villages and panchayats to become more resilient and Atmanirbhar,” he said.
Gandhi Jayanti is observed annually on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in 1869. A central figure in India’s freedom movement, Gandhi championed non-violence, self-reliance and Swadeshi. The date is also observed worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence, following a United Nations resolution adopted in 2007.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/swadeshi-and-atmanirbharta-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-invokes-gandhis-vision-on-gandhi-jayanti-1457941-2026-10-02?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-10-02 09:01:00
