Rajiv Gandhi awards presented

Mumbai, Aug 19 (UNI) The ninth Rajiv Gandhi awards were presented by the Mumbai regional Congress committee to industrialist Mukesh Ambani, wonder runner Budhia Singh, Palak Muchchal, actors John Abraham and Sushmita Sen, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, former hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay and Yusuf Ali MLA.

The awards were presented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Mumbai regional Congress committee president Gurudas Kamat, Union Information&Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, Union Petroleum Minister Murali Deora and Congress MPs Rajiv Shukla, Govinda and Priya Dutt.

Mr Dasmunsi recalled how late Rajiv Gandhi was firm on having the voters age limit reduced to 18 despite the opposition.

Replying to his felicitation, Mr Ambani described Mr Gandhi as ''class apart'' and said that he was instrumental in bringing about liberalisation in the country.

All the speakers recalled the contribution of the former Prime Minister in the development of the nation.

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