Porbandar (Gujarat), Oct 2 : President Pratibha Patil on Friday attended a prayer meeting at Kirti Mandir on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi''s 140th birth anniversary.

President Patil, who is on a five-day visit to Gujarat, attended the prayer meeting along with Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

"It was a great moment and experience to visit the place where Gandhiji was born and sacrificed his life to make India independent from British rule," she wrote in the visitor''s book.

Greeting the people on this occasion, the President said, "this is an occasion for all of us to reflect on the life and work of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi."

"Whenever I remember Bapu, particularly on this day, I am always overwhelmed by his leadership, philosophy and values. His leadership inspired millions to unite for the cause of freedom and independence," she added.

"He also taught us to stand resolutely against fear, to understand the importance of truth and to work for the eradication of poverty, illiteracy and discrimination," Patil said. (ANI)