The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister led the nation in paying tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 144th birth anniversary today. They visited Rajghat in the national capital and paid floral tributes at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. They listened to the recitation of devotional songs and Gandhiji's bhajans.

Several functions including paying of floral tributes, recitation of Gandhiji's favourite bhajans and beginning of welfare schemes across the country have been organised to mark the day.

In his message on the occasion, President Mukherjee said that Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion for countrymen to reflect on the life and contributions of the Father of the Nation. He urged all citizens to imbibe wisdom from the valued teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Reports of Gandhi Jayanti celebration are pouring in from abroad also.

AIR West Asia correspondent reports, a series of programs have been organized to mark Gandhi Jayanti across the region at the various Indian embassies and consulates. Patriotic fervor was the order of the day as India’s Consul General in Dubai, Sanjay Verma praised the representatives of Indian community for their contribution in fostering stronger India-Dubai ties.

The new auditorium of the Indian Consulate was also inaugurated on this occasion. Indian Embassy in Cairo has organized an exhibition of award winning posters at the Maulana Azad Center.

The Indian Embassy in Afghan capital Kabul is organizing a seminar on “non-violence”, one of the main tenets of the Gandhian Philosophy.

A wide cross-section of Afghans drawn from the Government, civil society, politics, academia and the private sector, along with representatives of Embassies and international organisations are likely to participate in the day long seminar.

The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is also commemorated as the International Day of Non Violence.