Rajiv Gandhi helped prepare India for promise of 21st century, says Congress

Rajiv Gandhi supported prepare India for promise of 21st century, states Congress Perhaps the most meaningful tribute to Rajiv Ji would be to strengthen India's timeless spirit of empathy, harmony and reconciliation, while nurturing intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of our.

Key points

• At the commemorative programme marking the 82nd birth anniversary of Shri Rajiv Gandhi at Vir Bhumi, New Delhi on August 20, 2026.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 20, 2026) additionally paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi.
• Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at his memorial Veer Bhumi here.
• As the Prime Minister, produced the New Education Policy of 1988 that, among plenty of other innovations, established the nation-wide network of Navodaya Vidyalayas, Mr, rajiv Gandhi.
• Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi remarked the resolve to build the India of his father Rajiv Gandhi's dreams will always continue to guide him.

At the commemorative programme marking the 82nd birth anniversary of Shri Rajiv Gandhi at Vir Bhumi, New Delhi on August 20, 2026. Photo Credit: Special arrangement.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Thursday (August 20, 2026) paid tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge saying his legacy lives on in the transformative changes he championed and in his enduring faith in India's youth, technological progress and the power of new ideas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 20, 2026) additionally paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi. "On the occasion of his birth anniversary, paying homage to former Prime Minister of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, " Mr. Modi remarked in a post on 'X'.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi remarked the resolve to build the India of his father Rajiv Gandhi's dreams will always continue to guide him. Rajiv Gandhi Plan: a valuable solution.

Mr. Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at his memorial Veer Bhumi here.

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge remarked, "Today, on Sadbhavana Diwas, we remember Rajiv Gandhi, a visionary leader who awakened hope in millions and helped prepare India for the promise of the 21st century." Rajiv Gandhi's legacy lives on in the transformative changes he championed and in his enduring faith in India's youth, technological progress and the power of new ideas, Mr. Kharge remarked.

"Perhaps the most meaningful tribute to Rajiv Ji would be to strengthen India's timeless spirit of empathy, harmony and reconciliation, while nurturing intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of our young people, " the Congress chief remarked.

"We pay our deepest respects on his birth anniversary and remember his tremendous contribution to the nation, " Mr. Kharge remarked.

In another post, the Congress chief shared a quote of Rajiv Gandhi and remarked, "Rajiv Gandhi ji did not see only the future in India's youth, but the power to shape the future." "On Sadbhavana Diwas, salutations to that youthful vision, that foresight, and that dream of India, which even today inspires every new generation to move forward, think anew, and dream big, " Mr. Kharge remarked.

In a post in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi remarked, "Harmony among Indians, compassion in every heart, and equal rights to justice and democracy for every citizen – Papa, this teaching of yours is my strength and your memories are my courage." "The resolve to build the India of your dreams will always continue to guide me, " the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha stated.

As the Prime Minister, offered the 18-year-olds the right to vote by reducing the minimum voting age and led India decisively into the IT era, congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh remarked that given the youth ferment nationwide, it is notable to recall that it was Rajiv Gandhi who.

Mr. Ramesh additionally recalled that Gandhi declared January 12 as the National Youth Day, produced the New Education Policy of 1988 and set up the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan covering all districts.

"Today as we celebrate his 82nd birth anniversary and given the youth ferment across the country it is important to recall that it was Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who gave 18 year olds the right to vote by reducing the minimum voting age from 21 years by amending the Constitution, " Ramesh remarked.

He remarked Rajiv Gandhi declared January 12. It is Swami Vivekananda's birthday, as the National Youth Day.

As the Prime Minister, produced the New Education Policy of 1988 that, among plenty of other innovations, established the nation-wide network of Navodaya Vidyalayas, Mr, rajiv Gandhi. Ramesh recalled.

Rajiv Gandhi set up the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan covering all districts, the Congress general secretary in-charge communications remarked.

He additionally led India decisively into the IT era, creating millions of new employment opportunities, Mr. Ramesh continued.

Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal remarked, "Remembering with deep fondness and reverence Bharat Ratna Late Sh. Rajiv Gandhi ji on his birth anniversary. A visionary and dynamic leader who inspired millions and transformed our country to prepare it for the 21st Century." Today, lakhs of Congress workers and leaders walk in his footsteps, with the aim of fulfilling his vision for our country and shaping our party with the energy and enthusiasm that he brought, he remarked.

"His journey was cut short too shortly, and his ultimate sacrifice for the sake of India's unity must never be forgotten. We miss you Rajiv ji! Offered tributes to Rajiv Gandhi ji at Vir Bhumi on this occasion, " Mr. Venugopal remarked. India's youngest Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi held office from 1984 to 1989. He was assassinated by a suicide bomber of the LTTE in 1991.

Taken together, the developments around rajiv Gandhi helped prepare India for promise of 21st century, says Congress point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.