New Delhi, Aug 20: The Congress on Thursday remembered former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, with party leaders highlighting his contribution to technological advancement, education, youth empowerment and India’s transition towards the 21st century.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, former party chief Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at his memorial, Veer Bhumi, in the national capital.
Kharge described the former prime minister as a visionary leader whose ideas continued to influence India’s development. He said Rajiv Gandhi placed strong faith in the country’s young population, technological progress and innovation.
In a message marking Sadbhavana Diwas, Kharge said the most meaningful way to honour Rajiv Gandhi would be to strengthen the values of empathy, harmony and reconciliation while encouraging intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of young Indians.
Rahul Gandhi also remembered his father and said the principles he had learned from him continued to provide strength and inspiration. He emphasised harmony among citizens, compassion and equal access to justice and democratic rights.
Rahul Gandhi said his determination to work towards the India envisioned by his father would remain a guiding force.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted several initiatives associated with Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister. He pointed to the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years, describing it as a major step towards giving young people a greater role in India’s democracy.
Ramesh also recalled Rajiv Gandhi’s emphasis on education and youth development. He said the New Education Policy of 1986 and the expansion of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas reflected efforts to modernise India’s education system and widen opportunities for students.
The Congress leader also cited the establishment and expansion of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, which created a nationwide network focused on youth engagement.
Ramesh further credited Rajiv Gandhi with helping accelerate India’s entry into the information technology era. He said the former prime minister’s policies encouraged technological development and contributed to the creation of new employment opportunities.
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal described Rajiv Gandhi as a dynamic leader whose vision was aimed at preparing India for the challenges of the 21st century. He said party workers continued to draw inspiration from his ideas and sought to advance the goals he had set for the country.
Venugopal also recalled Rajiv Gandhi’s death and described his sacrifice for India’s unity as a part of the country’s political history that should not be forgotten.
Rajiv Gandhi became India’s youngest prime minister after the 1984 general elections and served from 1984 to 1989. He was assassinated in 1991 by a suicide bomber linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
The Congress’s tributes on his birth anniversary focused on his efforts to modernise governance and expand opportunities for India’s youth, while reiterating the party’s commitment to the values of harmony and democratic participation.
