New Delhi, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, remembering him as a visionary leader who helped prepare India for the “promise of the 21st century”.
Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary is observed as ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ (Harmony Day) across the country.
In a post on X, Kharge said Rajiv Gandhi “awakened hope in millions” and helped prepare India for the opportunities of the 21st century.
“His legacy lives on in the transformative changes he championed and in his enduring faith in India’s youth, technological progress and the power of new ideas,” Kharge said.
He added that the most meaningful tribute to the former Prime Minister would be to strengthen India’s spirit of empathy, harmony and reconciliation while promoting intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of young people.
Kharge, along with Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal and other senior leaders, paid floral tributes at Veer Bhumi, Rajiv Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi.
Leaders recall Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution
During his Independence Day address at the Congress headquarters earlier, Kharge had highlighted several initiatives associated with Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.
He credited the former Prime Minister with contributing to peace in the Northeast and Punjab, laying the foundations of India’s information technology revolution, strengthening defence capabilities, expanding educational opportunities and reducing the voting age from 21 to 18.
“Rajiv Gandhi restored peace in the Northeast and Punjab. He laid the foundation for the IT Revolution and bolstered defence capabilities,” Kharge had said.
He also referred to the New Education Policy, skill development initiatives and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas as measures that created opportunities for young people.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also paid tribute to Rajiv Gandhi, recalling the former Prime Minister’s encouragement of young political leaders.
“He did not merely speak about the future; he had the courage to imagine a new India and inspire a generation to believe that it was possible,” Shivakumar said in a post on X.
Shivakumar highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s role in lowering the voting age, strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, encouraging women’s participation in local governance and laying the foundations for India’s IT and telecom revolution.
He also credited Rajiv Gandhi with modernising education, promoting technology and encouraging a new generation of leaders to take responsibility for the country’s future.
“As I work for Karnataka and our people, I carry with me the values and encouragement I received from him,” Shivakumar said, adding that Rajiv Gandhi’s memory represented a responsibility to continue working towards a modern, progressive and inclusive India.
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