Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Congress Honors Rajiv Gandhi, Citing Youth and Technology Legacy
Rajiv Gandhi was a former prime minister of India.
Congress leaders remembered him on his 82nd birth anniversary.
The day is also called Sadbhavana Diwas, which means Harmony Day.
Mallikarjun Kharge said Rajiv Gandhi helped India prepare for the 21st century.
Leaders praised his focus on young people, technology, education and new ideas.
They recalled that the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 during his tenure.
They also mentioned schools, youth programs, local governments and India’s IT development.
Rahul Gandhi said his father’s ideas about harmony and fairness still inspire him.
Congress leaders paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary.
The anniversary is observed nationwide as Sadbhavana Diwas, or Harmony Day.
Mallikarjun Kharge said Rajiv Gandhi helped prepare India for the promise of the 21st century.
Leaders credited Gandhi with promoting youth participation, technology, education, local governance and innovation.
Rahul Gandhi said his father’s ideals of harmony, compassion, justice and democracy continue to guide him.
- Who
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, K. C. Venugopal and other Congress leaders.
- What
- They paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and highlighted his political legacy.
- When
- Thursday, August 20, on Rajiv Gandhi’s 82nd birth anniversary.
- Where
- Tributes were offered at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi and at Rajiv Gandhi’s portrait in the central hall of Samvidhan Sadan; the anniversary was observed nationwide.
- Why
- The leaders honored Rajiv Gandhi and recalled his stated contributions to youth empowerment, voting rights, education, local governance, technology and national development.
- Occasion
- Rajiv Gandhi’s 82nd birth anniversary
- National observance
- Sadbhavana Diwas, or Harmony Day
- Memorial site
- Veer Bhumi, New Delhi
- Prime ministerial tenure
- Rajiv Gandhi served as prime minister from 1984 to 1989
- Voting-age reform
- The minimum voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years during his tenure
- Education initiatives
- The New Education Policy of 1988 and the nationwide Navodaya Vidyalayas network were recalled
- Youth and technology initiatives
- Leaders cited National Youth Day, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and the foundations of India’s IT era
