Rajiv Gandhi Birth Anniversary: Why the day is celebrated as “Sadbhaavna Diwas”

File photo

The birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, August 20th, is celebrated as "Sadbhaavna Diwas" or "Goodwill Day" to honor his legacy and promote the values of peace, harmony, and goodwill among people. Rajiv Gandhi, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989, is remembered for his efforts to bring about social and technological advancements in the country.

The decision to observe his birth anniversary as Goodwill Day is rooted in his vision for a united and progressive India. Rajiv Gandhi's leadership was characterized by his commitment to modernizing the nation and fostering a sense of unity among its diverse population. During his tenure, he worked towards technological advancements, initiated economic reforms, and aimed to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.

The celebration of Goodwill Day is not only a tribute to Rajiv Gandhi's contributions but also a reminder of the importance of promoting harmony and goodwill in society. It serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to work towards creating a more inclusive, peaceful, and progressive nation. The day is marked by various events, including floral tributes, discussions on his contributions, and activities focused on promoting unity and goodwill among citizens.

Overall, celebrating Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary as Goodwill Day is a way to honor his legacy by emphasizing values that he believed in - unity, progress, and goodwill.

The Assassination

The former Prime Minister was assassinated on May 21, 1991. Rajiv Gandhi was attending an election campaign rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, when he was killed by a suicide bomber. The attack was carried out by a female suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a terrorist organization from Sri Lanka.

The suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to her body while approaching Rajiv Gandhi, killing him and many others who were present at the rally. The attack was a tragic event that shocked the nation and the world.

IN Photos: Maha CM Eknath Shinde pays tribute to former PM Rajiv Gandhi

The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi had significant political, social, and security implications. It led to increased scrutiny of security measures for political leaders and public figures in India. The incident also had an impact on India's relationship with Sri Lanka, as the LTTE was a separatist organization involved in the Sri Lankan civil war.

The investigation into the assassination resulted in the arrest, trial, and conviction of several individuals, including members of the LTTE. The main accused in the case, Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the LTTE, was killed in 2009 during a military operation in Sri Lanka.

Rajiv Gandhi's assassination remains a tragic and significant event in India's history, with a lasting impact on the nation's politics, security measures, and relationships with neighbouring countries.