Rajiv Gandhi's birthday
Rajiv Gandhi's birthday, which falls on August 20, is celebrated every year as Sadbhavana Diwas. Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. This day, which translates to “Day of Harmony,” commemorates his vision of a prosperous, united and peaceful India.
The country's youngest Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, was known for his innovative and open-minded governance. Throughout his tenure, he stressed the importance of social harmony, national integration and India's technological advancement.
Sadbhavna Diwas: History
After the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, Sadbhavana Diwas was first observed on 20 August 1992. After the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984, Rajiv Gandhi took office as Prime Minister of India at a time of great unrest.
His tenure as India's youngest Prime Minister was marked by an open-minded approach to governance with a strong emphasis on national integration and communal harmony.
Rajiv Gandhi understood the importance of unity in a nation as diverse as India. He believed that the collective efforts of Indian citizens, irrespective of caste, religion or creed, were vital for the development of the country.
Sadbhavana Diwas was instituted by the Indian National Congress, the political party he led, and various organizations and government institutions to honour his memory and the ideals he stood for. Peace, unity and harmony are the values celebrated on this day.
Sadbhavna Diwas 2024: Meaning
Sadbhavana Diwas is significant because it emphasises the importance of world peace, national unity and interpersonal harmony. It is a day to remember Rajiv Gandhi's vision of a modern, inclusive India that encouraged people to put aside their differences and work towards a harmonious society.
How is Sadbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day celebrated?
Sadbhavana Diwas is celebrated across the country with a variety of activities aimed at promoting peace and harmony. Citizens and politicians honour Rajiv Gandhi's legacy with memorial ceremonies at his memorial on this day.
To honour the spirit of Sadbhavana Diwas, a number of activities such as tree plantation and environmental conservation are planned. Educational institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are organising conferences and seminars on the themes of tolerance and peace.
Sadhbhavana Diwas 2024: Quotes
• When a big tree falls, the ground shakes. – Rajiv Gandhi
• India missed the Industrial Revolution; it cannot afford to miss the Computer Revolution. – Rajiv Gandhi
• Our task today is to bring India to the threshold of the 21st century, free from the burden of poverty, the legacy of our colonial past, and able to meet the rising aspirations of our people – Rajiv Gandhi
• Education must be an important equalizing factor in our society. It must be the tool to balance the differences that our different social systems have created over the past millennia. – Rajiv Gandhi
• India is an old country but a young nation… I am young and I too have a dream. I dream of a strong, independent, self-reliant India, standing at the forefront of the nations of the world in the service of humanity – Rajiv Gandhi.
First published: August 20, 2024 | 3:04 p.m. IS
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