Congress Pays Tribute to Rajiv Gandhi’s Transformative Impact on India’s Future

New Delhi, 20-08-2024: The Congress party on Tuesday paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 80th birth anniversary, with tributes underscoring his profound impact on modern India. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized Rajiv Gandhi’s role in bringing India into the 21st century with transformative contributions that ignited hope in millions. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, honored his father by offering floral tributes at Veer Bhumi, Rajiv Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi. Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Rahul Gandhi expressed in a heartfelt message that his father’s teachings continue to inspire him and that his dreams for India are his own, vowing to carry them forward.

Rajiv Gandhi, India’s youngest Prime Minister, served from 1984 to 1989, and his tenure was tragically cut short by his assassination in 1991 by an LTTE suicide bomber. On the occasion of ‘Sadbhavana Diwas,’ Kharge highlighted that Rajiv Gandhi, a visionary leader, significantly contributed to advancing India with landmark initiatives. Among these were lowering the voting age to 18, reinforcing the Panchayati Raj system, initiating the telecom and IT revolution, advancing computerization, and promoting peace through various accords. Rajiv Gandhi’s policies also laid the foundation for women’s empowerment, universal vaccination programs, and a new education policy focusing on inclusive education, all of which have had lasting impacts on the nation.

पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री श्री राजीव गांधी जी की जयंती पर श्री @RahulGandhi ने वीर भूमि जाकर श्रद्धासुमन अर्पित किए। pic.twitter.com/CVM3nr8kMe

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 20, 2024

Kharge paid a heartfelt tribute to the former Prime Minister, describing him as a “great son of India” who was instrumental in ushering India into a new era. The Congress president credited Rajiv Gandhi with significant strides that transformed India, enabling the country to embark on a path toward modernization and inclusive development. His vision and policies led to numerous reforms, including the 1985 budget that marked a new approach to economic policy and the 1991 manifesto that laid the groundwork for the Rao-Manmohan Singh economic reforms, which were pivotal in reshaping India’s economy.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, described Rajiv Gandhi’s political life as brief but immensely impactful. He highlighted the peace accords achieved during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure in troubled regions like Assam, Punjab, Mizoram, and Tripura, which were testaments to his statesmanship and prioritization of national interest. Ramesh also noted Rajiv Gandhi’s forward-thinking approach to the societal applications of science and technology, resulting in successful technology missions in critical areas such as drinking water, immunization, literacy, oilseeds production, telecom, and dairy development. He further acknowledged that Rajiv Gandhi was instrumental in establishing institutions like C-DAC and financial bodies such as the National Housing Bank and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, which continue to play vital roles in India’s growth.

Ramesh elaborated on Rajiv Gandhi’s achievements, pointing to the New Education Policy of 1986, which bore Rajiv’s progressive vision and led to the creation of Navodaya Vidyalayas. The reduction of the voting age to 18 and the designation of Swami Vivekananda’s birthday as National Youth Day were also key decisions during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. Article 243 of the Constitution, which empowers elected panchayats and nagar palikas, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to decentralizing power and fostering local governance. This commitment has resulted in over three million elected representatives in local governance institutions, with more than 40% being women, highlighting Rajiv Gandhi’s enduring legacy in promoting democratic values and gender equality.

Ramesh also reflected on Rajiv Gandhi’s personal qualities, noting that he was a kind and empathetic leader who harbored no malice or vindictiveness, sought no revenge, and refrained from self-aggrandizement. Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership was marked by humility, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve the nation, making him a revered figure both within the Congress party and across India. His commitment to national unity, secularism, and progressive values continues to guide the Congress party in its efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive nation.

Congress General Secretary (Organization) K C Venugopal also paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi, acknowledging his visionary leadership that set the foundation for India’s progress in various fields, including foreign policy, defense, economic reforms, and the deepening of democracy. Venugopal emphasized that Rajiv Gandhi’s values and principles remain a guiding force for the Congress party and that his absence is deeply felt.

The Congress party’s tribute on X echoed these sentiments, recognizing Rajiv Gandhi as a visionary leader who pioneered modern technology, women’s empowerment, and youth involvement in India’s progress. The party reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutional values of secularism, unity, and a progressive India, values that Rajiv Gandhi championed throughout his life. His contributions continue to inspire the party’s dedication to building a prosperous and inclusive nation, reflecting the enduring impact of his leadership on India’s development trajectory.

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