On the 34th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects, acknowledging the late leader's contributions to the nation. The anniversary, observed on May 21st, is a day of remembrance and reflection on Rajiv Gandhi's legacy.
Across the political spectrum, leaders paused to remember Rajiv Gandhi's impact. Rahul Gandhi, son of the former Prime Minister and current Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, shared an emotional tribute, expressing his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision for India. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress National President, highlighted some of Rajiv Gandhi's key decisions and initiatives, including lowering the voting age to 18 and his pivotal role in spearheading the Telecom and IT revolution in India. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid tribute, lauding him as a visionary and a martyr for the cause of India.
Rajiv Gandhi served as India's Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, assuming office following the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At the age of 40, he became the youngest Prime Minister in Indian history. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize India and introduce technological reforms. He is often credited with shaping India's digital future.
Rajiv Gandhi's life was tragically cut short on May 21, 1991, when he was assassinated in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, during an election campaign. He was killed by a suicide bomber linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization from Sri Lanka. His assassination was a watershed moment in Indian political history.
The day of his death anniversary also serves as National Anti-Terrorism Day in India, a day to reinforce the message of peace and unity. The observance, initiated by the VP Singh government, serves as a reminder of the price paid for peace and the ongoing need to combat terrorism in all its forms. Tributes and memorial events are held across the country to honor his memory and reflect on his contributions to Indian society.
