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Why India Observes Sadbhavana Diwas on August 20

Why India Observes Sadbhavana Diwas on August 20
Sadbhavana Diwas 2026: Why August 20 Is Observed And Its Connection With Rajiv Gandhi · thehansindia.com

Sadbhavana Diwas is observed in India every August 20.

It is also called Harmony Day.

The date is the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The day encourages people from different religions, languages, regions, castes and communities to live peacefully together.

It has been observed since 1992, after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991.

Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989.

He supported computers, modern technology and better telecommunications in India.

People also remember his contributions to the country.

The day reminds citizens that respect, unity and goodwill can help diverse communities live together.

Key facts

Also known as
Harmony Day
Observed
August 20 every year
Introduced
1992
Commemorates
Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary
Rajiv Gandhi’s premiership
1984 to 1989
Birth date
August 20, 1944
Posthumous honour
Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award
Source discrepancy
One supplied account mentions March 20 and gives conflicting descriptions of his birthplace; the other account and the prevailing details in the articles identify August 20, 1944, in Bombay, now Mumbai.

Quotes

Rajiv Gandhi

Former Prime Minister of India, served 1984-1989

“"I am young and I too have a dream. I dream of an India strong, independent, self-reliant and on the front rank of the nations of the world in the service of mankind."”
NDTV

Sources

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