Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Pays Tribute to Former PM Rajiv Gandhi on His 80th Birth Anniversary
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 20: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his cabinet colleagues and the state Congress president, paid heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 80th birth anniversary.
CM Sukhu offered floral tributes at Rajiv Gandhi’s statue at Rajiv Chowk in Chhota Shimla. The day is also observed as Sadbhavana Diwas across the state.
On this occasion, CM Sukhu administered the Sadbhavana Diwas pledge to the officers and officials of the HP Secretariat. He highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s numerous reforms and initiatives that brought positive changes to society.
“When Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister, I was president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). On the demand of the NSUI, Rajiv Gandhi granted the right to vote to the youth by reducing the voting age from 21 years to 18 years, ensuring active participation of youth in the democratic process. It was the greatest achievement of his tenure,” said CM Sukhu.
He further mentioned that India became a leading country in the IT sector due to Rajiv Gandhi’s efforts and vision. “When America declined the request to provide supercomputers to India, Rajiv Gandhi took decisive steps to ignite an IT revolution in the country. He also advocated for women’s rights in the democratic process and granted 33 percent reservation to women in Panchayati Raj Institutions,” he added.
Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Pratibha Singh, and other prominent leaders were also present on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to his father and former PM Rajiv Gandhi, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his father’s dreams for India.
“A compassionate personality, an epitome of camaraderie and goodwill… Papa, your teachings are my inspiration, and your dreams for India are my own – I will fulfil them, taking your memories with me,” said Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.
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, Tamil Nadu, on May 21, 1991. He became India’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 after taking over the Congress in 1984 following the assassination of his mother, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
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Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and cool weather.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, responsible for running the state government.
Rajiv Gandhi -: Rajiv Gandhi was a former Prime Minister of India, known for modernizing the country and promoting technology and women’s rights.
80th Birth Anniversary -: A birth anniversary is the yearly celebration of someone’s birth. Rajiv Gandhi would have turned 80 years old this year.
Voting age -: The voting age is the minimum age at which a person is allowed to vote in elections. Rajiv Gandhi lowered this age from 21 to 18 in India.
IT -: IT stands for Information Technology, which includes computers and the internet. Rajiv Gandhi promoted the use of IT in India.
Women’s rights -: Women’s rights are the freedoms and entitlements of women and girls. Rajiv Gandhi worked to improve these rights in India.
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and the son of Rajiv Gandhi. He is also a leader in the Congress party.
Assassinated -: Assassinated means being killed suddenly, usually for political reasons. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991.
Prime Minister -: The Prime Minister is the head of the government in India, similar to a captain of a cricket team but for the whole country.