Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 20 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh Congress leaders on Wednesday observed the 81st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi as Sadbhavana Diwas, paying floral tributes at Rajiv Chowk in Shimla.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Pratibha Singh, and other senior party leaders participated in the event. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also administered the Sadbhavana pledge to employees at the state Secretariat.

Speaking to the media, CM Sukhu described Rajiv Gandhi as the 'architect of modern India' who served as the country's Prime Minister for five years and 'sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of the nation while developing a new vision for India.'

'At a time when the United States had refused to provide computers to India, Rajiv Gandhi resolved to usher the country into the 21st century. Today, that vision has benefitted India's industries and made our information technology sector renowned worldwide,' Sukhu said.

He also highlighted Gandhi's role as a social reformer.

'When the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Bills were passed, women had little participation in public life. Rajiv Gandhi brought social change by giving them constitutional rights and ensuring 33% reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions, Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Corporations. Building on that vision, 50% reservation has now been extended to women in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, and soon they will get similar representation in state assemblies,' Sukhu added.

HPCC President Pratibha Singh said that the country is remembering the contribution of the former PM.

She said, 'Today, the entire nation remembers Rajiv Gandhi for his contribution and sacrifice. He will always be remembered for building modern India. The progress we see in the new era has its roots in his vision decades ago, and that vision continues to benefit India, especially our youth.' (ANI)