Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other Congress leaders paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary on Thursday.
The Congress leaders visited Veer Bhumi in Delhi and paid floral tributes at Rajiv Gandhi’s memorial. On the occasion, Congress leaders recalled the former prime minister’s contributions, particularly his efforts to connect young people with the democratic process, expand education, promote technological development and modernise administration.
The Congress said that Rajiv Gandhi’s vision gave importance to building a modern India and addressing the aspirations of the country’s youth.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to Rajiv Gandhi in a social media post. Describing the former prime minister as a visionary leader, Kharge said his legacy could be seen in the major changes he had advanced.
According to Kharge, Rajiv Gandhi played an important role in inspiring hope among millions of people and preparing India for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. He also highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s belief in young people, technological progress and new ideas.
Kharge said Rajiv Gandhi could be paid a true tribute by strengthening the spirit of harmony and reconciliation in India while promoting intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of young people.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also recalled Rajiv Gandhi’s youth-focused approach on his birth anniversary. He said that amid growing aspirations among young people regarding education, employment and their future, Rajiv Gandhi’s decisions remain relevant to understanding these issues.
Ramesh specifically referred to the reduction of the voting age from 21 years to 18 years. The minimum voting age was reduced through the 61st Constitutional Amendment. According to the Congress, the move provided the country’s young population with an opportunity for broader participation in the democratic process.
Congress leaders also referred to measures taken in the education sector during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister. The Congress identified the establishment of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya system across the country as one of his key initiatives.
The concept of these schools was aimed at providing quality residential education to talented students from rural areas. According to the Congress, Rajiv Gandhi’s education policy placed emphasis on modern knowledge and preparing the new generation for future requirements.
Rajiv Gandhi is regarded as one of the prime ministers who took important steps towards technological and administrative modernisation in India. During his tenure, work on computers, telecommunications and information technology moved in new directions.
The Congress recalled his contribution and said Rajiv Gandhi played an important role in preparing India for a period of technological change.
Efforts to expand communications and connect technology with administration and everyday life contributed to strengthening the foundations of the country’s subsequent digital transformation.
