Who is the official father of India?

The revered title of "Father of the Nation" in India is bestowed upon Mahatma Gandhi. This honorific is a testament to his monumental role in India's struggle for freedom from British rule. Gandhi was the principal architect of a non-violent civil disobedience movement that inspired millions of Indians to challenge colonial authority without resorting to bloodshed. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or "truth force," became a powerful weapon against oppression, uniting a diverse nation under the common goal of independence. The name "Mahatma," meaning "great soul," was first given to him in 1915 by the poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, reflecting the deep reverence he commanded.

The first prominent leader to publicly refer to Gandhi as the "Father of the Nation" was Subhas Chandra Bose, another key figure in the freedom struggle. On July 6, 1944, in a radio address from Singapore, Bose sought Gandhi's blessings for the Indian National Army's fight for liberation, saying, "Father of our Nation, in this holy war of India's liberation, we ask for your blessings and good wishes." This heartfelt address solidified the title in the public consciousness, and it has been affectionately used ever since.

However, it is crucial to understand that "Father of the Nation" is a title of respect and not an official designation conferred by the Indian government. The Constitution of India, under Article 18, abolishes all titles and does not permit the state to confer any titles, except for military and academic distinctions. In response to Right to Information (RTI) queries, the Indian government has clarified that no official records exist of the title being formally bestowed upon Gandhi. Despite the lack of official recognition, his position as the "Father of the Nation" is deeply embedded in the Indian psyche, a reflection of his enduring legacy of peace, unity, and unwavering commitment to the nation's freedom. His birthday, October 2nd, is a national holiday in India, celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, and is also observed worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.