Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge lead a tribute at Veer Bhumi to Rajiv Gandhi on the occasion of his 79th birthday
20-08-2023 : Commemorating the 79th birth anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, a solemn gathering took place at the ‘Veer Bhumi’ memorial in the heart of New Delhi. Led by Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the event saw several prominent leaders of the Congress Party paying their respects to the visionary leader on Sunday morning.
Sonia Gandhi, a central figure in the Congress Party, laid floral tributes at the memorial of Rajiv Gandhi. Her gesture of remembrance was followed by Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by her husband Robert Vadra, and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Together, they paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi, reflecting on his enduring impact on the nation.
Outside the Veer Bhumi memorial, party leaders, and workers gathered to honor the memory of Rajiv Gandhi. The atmosphere was infused with reverence as individuals from various walks of life came together to recognize his contributions.
In the midst of these commemorations, Rahul Gandhi, who was away on a four-day tour to Ladakh, took a moment to reflect on his father’s legacy. On a social media platform ‘X’, which is commonly understood to be Twitter, Rahul Gandhi penned heartfelt words. He wrote, “Papa, the dreams you had for India are shown from these priceless memories. Your mark is my way – understanding the struggles and dreams of every Indian, listening to the voice of Mother India.” This virtual tribute spoke to the enduring impact Rajiv Gandhi had on his son’s perspective and approach to national matters.
In another corner of the nation, a prayer meeting was held by the tranquil banks of Pangong Lake to honor Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary. This gesture of reverence exemplified the profound influence he had on the nation’s consciousness.
Leading up to this commemorative event, Rahul Gandhi embarked on a poignant journey to Pangong Lake in Ladakh. His bike ride to the breathtaking landscape was a personal homage to his father’s fondness for the location. He shared his sentiments on Instagram, stating, “On our way to Pangong Lake, which my father used to say, is one of the most beautiful places in the world.” This act not only celebrated his father’s birthday but also showcased the intimate connection between family memories and national landmarks.
Rahul Gandhi’s Ladakh visit, initially planned for two days, was extended to August 25. This decision was influenced by the resonance of his father’s legacy in the region and the desire to immerse himself in its narrative.
Rajiv Gandhi’s journey in politics was marked by a significant turning point when he took over the reins of the Congress Party in 1984 following the tragic assassination of his mother and then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. His leadership led him to become the youngest Prime Minister of India at the age of 40 in October 1984. He continued to serve as the Prime Minister until December 2, 1989.
Tragically, Rajiv Gandhi’s life was cut short when he was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on May 21, 1991. The commemorative events and heartfelt tributes on his birth anniversary served as a testament to his indelible legacy in India’s political and social fabric.
