- August 20, is the birth anniversary of India's former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This day is observed as 'Sadbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day'.
- This year marks his 79th Birth Anniversary as he was born on 20 August, 1944 in Bombay.
- The main theme to encourage national integration, peace, affection and communal harmony among Indians people of all religions.
- Though he was the youngest Prime Minister, his thought process was modern and different from others.
- Contribution of Shri Rajiv Gandhi:
- He announced a National Policy on Education in 1986 to modernize and expand education programs.
- MTNL was established in 1986 and Public Call Offices (PCOs) was also created for spreading telephone in rural areas.
- During his tenure, he enacted Anti-Defection Law, 1985, which prohibits elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from joining an opposition party until the next election.
- He founded a central government-based institution namely Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya System in 1986 for upliftment of rural section of society and providing them free residential education from 6th to 12th class.
- In 1992, a year after his death, the All India Congress Committee instituted Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. The award includes a trophy and cash reward of Rs 10 lakh.
- Every year this award is given to those who have devoted their lives in understanding and promoting social harmony.
- On this day, citizens take Sadbhavana Pledge:
"I take this solemn pledge that I will work for the emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India regardless of caste, region, religion, or language. I further pledge that I shall resolve all differences among us through dialogue and constitutional means without resorting to violence."
- He was assassinated by members of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist organization from Sri Lanka, during a public event in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, in May 21, 1991.
- A memorial called Vir Bhumi was constructed at the place of Gandhi's cremation in Delhi.
- Since his death, 21st May has been declared as Anti-Terrorism day in India.
Source- Press Information Bureau