Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly known as the father of the nation, was born on 2 October 1869. To honor his life and teachings, the day is observed as a national holiday across India and is also commemorated worldwide as the International Day of Non Violence.
For children, Gandhi Jayanti is not merely a holiday but an opportunity to reflect on the values of truth, peace, simplicity, self reliance, service and unity which form the foundation of our country’s spirit.
These timeless principles become especially meaningful when shared with the younger generation, who represent the future of the nation and carry the responsibility of shaping a more compassionate society.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the significance of Gandhi Jayanti takes on a deeper dimension because the region has experienced long years of unrest, political uncertainty and social strain. Amid these circumstances, children often grow up facing challenges that impact education, psychological wellbeing and opportunities for growth.
The cultural richness of Kashmir, with its unique traditions and heritage, adds another layer of responsibility to ensure that children feel a sense of belonging within the larger national framework.
In this context, Gandhi Jayanti is seen as more than a ceremonial occasion, it is a chance to plant seeds of transformation in the hearts of children.
On the eve of Gandhi Jyanti 2025 observing the “SWACHHATA HI SEVA” (SHS-2025) campaign to clean the public places and observe the Clean Green Utsav in the UT of J&K. The mass public and students in cleaning the schools, Hospitals, public parks and water bodies to observe the SWACHATA HI SEVA 2025.
The way Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated in Kashmir reflects both the challenges and the hope that exist in the valley. Schools and colleges organize debates, essay competitions and discussions around Gandhian thought where children explore questions such as the relevance of non violence in today’s times. Cleanliness drives under national campaigns encourage students to take pride in their surroundings through tree plantations, park cleaning and awareness initiatives on sustainability. Reflection sessions and youth dialogues touch upon pressing concerns like drug abuse, gender equality and community responsibility, linking Gandhian ideals with the realities of local life. Authorities including the administration, police and the Army often join these events, encouraging children to see peaceful values as practical and achievable. Through community engagement programmes such as Sadhbhavana, the Army has collaborated with schools and local institutions to extend these opportunities even to children in remote areas, thus creating platforms where they can learn, share and feel connected to the wider society.
The positive outcomes of these celebrations are visible in several ways. Many children begin to view peaceful dialogue as an alternative to hostility and the practice of truth and non violence instills dignity and courage. Participation in civic activities builds a sense of ownership over public spaces, helping them feel more rooted to their land and community. For young minds often shaped by difficult experiences, Gandhian values offer a framework of hope and healing by replacing despair with purpose. At the same time, celebrating Gandhi fosters a connection with the broader values of India while respecting the cultural uniqueness of Kashmir, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and nurturing integration. However, challenges remain. In some cases the observance risks becoming more symbolic than transformative and the harsh realities children witness in their environment can make ideals appear distant. Without sustained dialogue, emotional support and localized approaches, the impact of such celebrations may be limited, especially for those coping with grief or fear.
Drawing from ground experience, the Army believes that children in Kashmir yearn for peace and stability and that Gandhian ideals, if continuously reinforced in relatable ways, can play an important role in shaping their worldview. Moving beyond rituals and encouraging experiential learning through acts of service, localized storytelling and trauma informed education can make these values more real for them. Collaborative efforts where educators, civil society and the Army together act as mentors can help bridge gaps between ideals and daily realities. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, true peace must begin with children and in Kashmir this is the vision and an urgent necessity. The possibility of change, as seen from the frontlines, lies in guiding one child at a time towards empathy, tolerance and service, making the dream of lasting peace a shared reality.
