Nation remembers Rajiv on 62nd birth anniversary

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) A series of social functions, special prayers and blood donation camps marked the 62nd birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi today.

The former Prime Minister's wife and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid homage at Vir Bhoomi, the samadhi of the late leader who had become the youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40.

Dr Singh offered floral tributes and stood silently for a few moments at the Samadhi of the late leader.

Ms Gandhi paid homage along with her children, Mr Rahul Gandhi, MP, and Ms Priyanka Vadra. Home Minister Shivraj Patil and a host of other Congress leaders were also present.

Dr Singh and Ms Gandhi also attended a function held at the Central Hall of Parliament, adorned by a portrait of Rajiv Gandhi, where Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan and several Cabinet ministers were in attendance.

Ms Gandhi also attended a function organised to give away the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. Noted Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande received this year's award presented by former Chief Justice of India A M Ahmadi.

The day was also observed as Sadbhavna Diwas and Rajiv Gandhi Urja Vikas (energy development) Diwas.

Besides, Congress units across the country organised various functions and activities to pay homage to their leader.

An all religion prayer was held at the UP Congress headquarters in Lucknow to mark the occasion. A film on the late leader was also shown on the occasion.

A seminar was organised in Ranchi, where speakers remembered the former Prime Minister as a champion of cause of the poor and visionary who made India a ''technology-rich'' country.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang called upon the people to rededicate themselves for strengthening social harmony. Mr Apang also hailed the leader for his role in solving various national problems and his initiatives on the technological front.

Tamil Nadu Congress president M Krishnasamy cut a cake to mark the occasion. Union Minister of State of Statistics and Programme Implementation G K Vasan, at a function to mark the occasion in Chennai, distributed free clothes and tricycles to the handicapped.

Karnataka Congress organised special prayers and blood donation camps to remember the leader. Pradesh Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge administered the 'Sadbhavna' pledge to the workers.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said the untimely demise of the former Prime Minister was a great setback to the country.

Pondicherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy, his cabinet colleagues and senior officials garlanded the statue of the leader. Later, Mr Rangasamy administered the 'Sadbhavna' pledge to the gathering.

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