(rptg, adding dropped words in para three, line two)

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) A flurry of social activities across the country marked Rajiv Gandhi's 62nd birth anniversary today as his wife and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid homage at Vir Bhoomi, the samadhi of the late leader who had risen to 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.

Ms Gandhi also distributed tricycles to the handicapped and launched All India Congress Committee's (AICC's) website in Urdu.

In other functions organised to mark the occasion, Ms Gandhi inaugurated a new building of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) at Rouse Avenue here and attended a dental camp organised at the AICC headquarters.

She was also scheduled to attend a couple of functions organised by SC/ST organisations, besides the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award function.

Noted Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande is the recipient of this year's award to be presented by former Chief Justice of India A M Ahmadi.

UNI SN PK HT1402