Sadbhavana Diwas 2020: Rajiv Gandhi Remembered On His Birth Anniversary

Sadbhavana Diwas 2020: The Congress party observes former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary as Sadbhavna Diwas every year. Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Rajiv Gandhi took charge of the Congress in 1984 after the assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Rajiv Gandhi was India's youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40. Sadbhavana Diwas 2020 marks the 76^th birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister. 

The Congress observes Sadbhavna Diwas to promote national integration and harmony. Several events are organized remembering Rajiv Gandhi on this day. This year there are fewer events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rahul Gandhi today visited his father's memorial at Veer Bhumi. In a tweet earlier, the Congress leader said, "Rajiv Gandhi was a man with a tremendous vision, far ahead of his times. But above all else, he was a compassionate and loving human being. I am incredibly lucky and proud to have him as my father. We miss him today and everyday."   

.@RahulGandhi Ji, paying tributes to Shri #RajivGandhi at Veer Bhumi today. #RememberingRajivGandhi pic.twitter.com/wjOuorc4Js

— Saral Patel (@SaralPatel) August 20, 2020 

The Bhupesh Baghel government in Chhattisgarh will transfer money into the bank accounts of farmers on Sadbhavna Diwas. In a statement, the Chhattisgarh government said, "On the birth anniversary of former-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will transfer Rs 1737.50 crore into the bank accounts of farmers, tendu leaf collectors and dung sellers. Chief Minister will do online transfer of Rs 1500 crores to the bank accounts of 19 lakh paddy, sugarcane and corn producing farmers as the second instalment under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana." 

Several Congress leaders tweeted tributes to Rajiv Gandhi on Sadbhavana Diwas. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot wrote on social media, "...As our youngest PM and with his progressive vision, he transformed India into a modern nation focusing on technological advancement." 

My humble tributes to Bharat Ratna Shri #RajivGandhi ji on his birth anniversary. As our youngest PM & with his progressive vision, he transformed India into a modern nation focusing on technological advancement. His contribution to the nation's growth would be always remembered. pic.twitter.com/fVJxVqecge

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 20, 2020

Maharashtra Congress leader, Sanjay Nirupam, in his tribute said, "A true visionary leader who empowered women and youth remarkably. He brought telecom revolution to India and led us into 21st century with a new dream"

My humble tribute to India's former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary.
A true visionary leader who empowered women and youth remarkably. He brought Telecom revolution to India and led us into 21st century with a new dream.#RajivGandhi pic.twitter.com/Kxff7wvHzw

— Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) August 20, 2020

Ritiesh Deshmukh, actor and son or former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh paid his tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on Sadbhavna Diwas.

Remembering our former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Shri #RajivGandhi ji on his Birth Anniversary today. pic.twitter.com/9ZSLBFlEsh

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 20, 2020

In a series of tweets, actor and politician, Shatrughan Sinha wrote on the microblogging site: 'Floral tributes, solemn homages and prayers for the most, loved and admired, former PM...He will always be remembered for his contributions and sacrifices for the nation. It's a pity that he left us too soon...". Mr Sinha credited Rajiv Gandhi for expanding the telecom sector and taking it to rural India.

Floral tributes, solemn homages & prayers for the most, loved & admired, frm PM, late & great #RajivGandhi on his birth anniversary. He was far ahead of his times for his vision for our country. His charm, appealing smile & deceny made him a through gentleman politician in

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 20, 2020  

totality. He supported & brought in modernization with the infrastructure, innovation in technology, education, etc. He extended the telecom company taking it to the rural masses. He will always be remembered for his contributions & sacrifices for the nation. It's a pity that he

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 20, 2020   

left us too soon. His wife, woman of substance #SoniaGandhi & children, dashing, youth icon @RahulGandhi & the courageous, beautiful @priyankagandhi are carrying forward his vision & legacy with commitment, dedication & vigour. Profound regards to the family. #BirthAnniversary pic.twitter.com/SvtkmV7Jvm

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 20, 2020   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid his tribute to Rajiv Gandhi. “On his birth anniversary, tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji," PM Modi wrote on Twitter.