Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on 82nd Birth Anniversary, Says His Resolve Will Continue to Guide Him

August 20, 2026

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday paid tribute to his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, saying his resolve to build the India of his dreams will continue to guide him.

Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary is observed across the country as Sadbhavana Diwas, or Harmony Day.

भारतीयों के बीच सद्भावना, हर दिल में करुणा और, हर नागरिक को न्याय और लोकतंत्र में समान अधिकार..

पापा, आपकी ये सीख मेरी शक्ति है और आपकी यादें मेरी हिम्मत। आपके सपनों का भारत बनाने का संकल्प हमेशा मेरा मार्गदर्शन करता रहेगा। pic.twitter.com/YsXEFO05Ur

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 20, 2026

Rahul Gandhi remembers Rajiv Gandhi

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi recalled his father’s message of harmony, compassion and equal rights for every citizen.

He said the values of harmony among Indians, compassion and equal rights to justice and democracy remain a source of strength for him.

Rahul Gandhi also said that Rajiv Gandhi’s resolve to build the India of his dreams would continue to guide him.

Leaders pay tribute at Veer Bhumi

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, K.C. Venugopal and other party leaders paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi.

Rajiv Gandhi served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989 and was assassinated in 1991.

Kharge recalls Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution

Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister and described him as a visionary leader who inspired hope among millions and helped prepare India for the 21st century.

Kharge highlighted Rajiv Gandhi’s emphasis on India’s youth, technological progress and new ideas.

He said a meaningful tribute to Rajiv Gandhi would be to strengthen India’s spirit of empathy, harmony and reconciliation while encouraging intellectual freedom, innovation and the aspirations of young people.

D.K. Shivakumar pays tribute

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also remembered Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

Shivakumar expressed gratitude for the faith Rajiv Gandhi placed in young leaders during the early stages of their political careers.

He said Rajiv Gandhi had the courage to imagine a new India and inspire a generation to believe that such a future was possible.

The birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi is observed as Sadbhavana Diwas every year, highlighting the values of harmony, national unity and communal peace.