New Delhi, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday paid tribute to his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, recalling his teachings on harmony, compassion, equality and democracy.
Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary is observed across the country as ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ (Harmony Day).
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi remembered his father and said his vision for India continues to guide him.
“Harmony among Indians, compassion in every heart, and equal rights to justice and democracy for every citizen..Papa, this teaching of yours is my strength and your memories are my courage,” Rahul Gandhi said.
“The resolve to build the India of your dreams will always continue to guide me,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K.C. Venugopal and other party leaders paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at Veer Bhumi.
Kharge also remembered the former Prime Minister, describing him as a visionary leader who helped prepare India for the 21st century.
“Today, on Sadbhavana Diwas, we remember Rajiv Gandhi, a visionary leader who awakened hope in millions and helped prepare India for the promise of the 21st century,” Kharge said in a post on X.
He said Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy continued through the transformative changes he championed, as well as his faith in India’s youth, technological progress and new ideas.
Kharge said the most meaningful tribute to Rajiv Gandhi would be to strengthen India’s spirit of empathy, harmony and reconciliation while encouraging intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of young people.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister and recalled the faith Rajiv Gandhi placed in young leaders during their formative years in politics.
“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.
Rajiv Gandhi, who became Prime Minister in 1984 following the assassination of his mother Indira Gandhi, served as Prime Minister until 1989. He was assassinated in a suicide bombing at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991.
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