Bhubaneswar, Oct 2 (IANS): People from all walks of society in Odisha paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Wednesday.

Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal along with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid homage to Gandhi at the state Assembly.

"Bapuji was not a political personality, rather he was a great saint and social reformer. He had kept the whole country united with his mesmerising personality. He was indeed the true symbol of all caste, creed, language, religion and national integration," the Chief Minister said.

The leaders also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.

"Humble tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. He was a freedom fighter, patriot and his golden words, 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' are still a guiding force to build a strong and powerful nation," the Chief Minister tweeted.

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have organised 'Padayatras' across the state.

The BJD has organised a 'Padayatra' in Ekamra constituency of Bhubaneswar.

The BJP has also launched 'Gandhi Sankalpa Yatra' on Wednesday. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a 'Padyatra' at Gandhi Smruti Pitha, Telengapitha in Cuttack district.

The Congress also organised a 'Padyatra' from the Gandhi Park here. The party will continue it till October 14.

"All political parties should follow the ideology of Gandhiji to maintain peace and prosperity in the country," Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Niranjan Patnaik said.