Nation pays homage to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 21st death anniversary today.
President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi and other dignitaries, including Priyanka Gandhi, visited the Veer Bhoomi in New Delhi today and offered floral tributes to the departed leader. The day is being observed as Anti-Terrorism Day.
It was on this day in 1991 that former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi fell to the designs of terrorists. The day is also observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism, violence and its dangerous effect on the people, the society and the country as a whole. The objective behind the observance of the day is to wean away the youth from the terrorists and violence cult by highlighting the suffering of the common people and showing how it is prejudicial to national interest.
AIR correspondent reports employees in Government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions in the country took a pledge to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram administered the oath to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs today.
Minister of State for Railways Mr. KH Muniappa today unveiled a photo exhibition entitled “Rajiv Gandhi – A legend ” at Sriperumbudur, where Rajiv Gandhi was killed. A memorial service was conducted this morning where prayers were performed by leaders of all religion. TNCC President Mr. Gnanadesikan, former president Mr. KV Thangkabaalu and many other Congress leaders and hundreds of people paid floral tributes to the memorial.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Muniappa received the Rajiv Jothi, which began from Karnataka. Speaking to newspersons, Mr. Gnanadesikan said that late Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary, who wanted India to be in the frontiers with regard to development in Information technology.
He also said the former prime minister wanted the Tamils in Srilanka to live in dignity and said that India would voice their concern.
