Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister at the age of 40.
Sadbhavana Diwas honours Rajiv Gandhi’s ideal of a contemporary, inclusive India, inspiring people to put aside their differences and fight for harmony.
Sadbhavana Diwas, observed annually on August 20, commemorates the birth anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who served from 1984 to 1989. The day, meaning ‘Harmony Day’, is a reminder of his vision for a peaceful, prosperous and united India.
Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest prime minister of the country, was known for his forward-thinking and modern approach to governance. During his tenure, he stressed on the importance of communal harmony, national integration and India’s progress through technological advancements.
Sadhbhavana Diwas 2024: History
Sadbhavana Diwas was first observed on August 20, 1992.
The history of Sadbhavana Diwas is closely tied to Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a modern and united India. Rajiv Gandhi took office as Prime Minister in a period of great turmoil, following the assassination of his mother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1984.
One of his most significant contributions during his tenure was his emphasis on national integration and communal harmony. Rajiv Gandhi recognized the importance of unity in a country as diverse as India. He believed that India’s progress depended on the collective efforts of its citizens, regardless of their caste, creed, or religion.
Sadbhavana Diwas was first observed on August 20, 1992, following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991. The day was established to honour his memory and his vision for a peaceful and progressive India.
The Indian National Congress, the political party he led, along with various organisations and government institutions, came together to commemorate his birth anniversary as a day dedicated to promoting the values he stood for.
Sadbhavana Diwas 2024: Significance
Sadbhavana Diwas highlights the value of world peace, national unity, and interpersonal harmony. It honours Rajiv Gandhi’s ideal of a contemporary, inclusive India, inspiring people to put aside their differences and fight for harmony.
It is a day to remember to practise nonviolent disputes, promote tolerance, and perform community service. Rajiv Gandhi’s belief that young people have the power to effect change for a brighter future is reflected in it, encouraging them to make relevant contributions to society.
Sadhbhavana Diwas 2024: How It Is Celebrated
In India, Sadbhavana Diwas is observed with events that encourage harmony and peace. Pledges are made to support national integration and social harmony. Leaders and people pay homage to Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy during commemorative rituals held at his memorial.
On this day, people celebrate by planting trees, keeping the environment beautiful, conserving vegetation, and distributing sweets.
NGOs and educational institutions hold conferences and seminars on the value of tolerance and peace. In keeping with the day’s meaning of social duty and goodwill, many people participate in community work.
Sadhbhavana Diwas 2024: Quotes
- When a big tree falls, the ground shakes.- Rajiv Gandhi
- India missed the Industrial Revolution; it cannot afford to miss the Computer Revolution.- Rajiv Gandhi
- Better a brain drain than a brain in the drain- Rajiv Gandhi
- By helping one another in times of disaster, nations are strengthening the bonds of goodwill that will yet bring the peoples of the earth together.- Walter Van Kirk
- In the world of sales, kindness is the best currency.
- Our task today is to bring India to the threshold of the twenty-first century, free of burden of poverty, legacy of our colonial past, and capable of meeting the rising aspirations of our people- Rajiv Gandhi
- Education must be a great equaliser in our society. It must be the tool to level the differences that our various social systems have created over the past thousands of years.- Rajiv Gandhi
- India is an old country but a young nation…I am young and I too have a dream, I dream of India Strong, Independent, Self-Reliant and in the front rank of the nations of the world, in the service of mankind-Rajiv Gandhi
Sadhbhavana Diwas 2024: All you Need To Know About Rajiv Gandhi
- Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, and mother, Indira Gandhi, who both served as Prime Ministers of India.
- At just 40 years old, he took office as prime minister after his mother’s death and led the country from 1984 to 1989.
- Rajiv Gandhi modernised and expanded higher education programs across India by introducing a National Policy on Education in 1986.
- He established the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya System, a free residential school program for rural students in grades six through twelve.
- His initiatives also led to the creation of MTNL in 1986 and public call offices (PCOs) to bring telephones to rural areas.
- Rajiv Gandhi empowered local governance through Panchayati Raj and lowered the voting age to 18.
- He harnessed youth power, believing that the nation’s progress depends on the consciousness of its young people.
- To provide employment opportunities, he launched the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana. Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions to the nation remain indelible.
