August 20, 2023, marks the 79th anniversary of the birth of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who remains India’s youngest Prime Minister to date.
Why is Rajiv Gandhi’s birth date considered as Sadbhavana Diwas 2023?
On this day, Sadbhavana Diwas is celebrated, a day dedicated to promoting national integration and peace among different communities in memory of Rajiv Gandhi. A year after Rajiv Gandhi’s death, in 1992, Congress established the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award. Here are some interesting facts about him:
Family and early life
Rajiv Gandhi was born in Mumbai. He was just three years old when India gained its independence and his grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, became the country’s first Prime Minister.
Also read: Rahul Gandhi KTM bike ride to Pangong Tso lake to celebrate father Rajiv Gandhi’s birthday
Education
He pursued his education at prestigious institutions, including Welham Prep in Dehra Dun, Doon School, Trinity College in Cambridge and Royal College in London. Although he originally signed up for a course in mechanical engineering, he didn’t complete it.
Married to Sonia Gandhi
Rajiv Gandhi with Sonia Gandhi while studying at Cambridge. They married in 1968, and Sonia Gandhi moved into the family of her mother-in-law, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Also read: Ladakh: Rahul Gandhi cycled from Leh to Pangong Lake on the eve of Rajiv Gandhi’s birthday| In the picture
Interesting Facts About Former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi
1. Passion for art
Rajiv Gandhi has a passion for music, especially Western classical music and Hindustani, and he is also a photography enthusiast.
2. Pilot career
He initially pursued a career as a pilot and joined Airlines of India in 1970.
3. Get involved in politics
His foray into politics was fueled by the untimely death of his more ambitious brother, Sanjay Gandhi, in a plane crash in 1980. Rajiv ran from his seat. son in Amethi and became president of the Indian Youth Congress in 1981.
4.Participate in politics
Rajiv Gandhi was thrust into the world of politics after the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1984. He was forced to assume leadership of the Congress party and the country. He became the youngest Prime Minister of India at the age of 40.
5. Nickname “Mr. cleaning”
Rajiv Gandhi was nicknamed “Mr. Clean” due to his commitment to fighting corruption in the country.
6. Likes to drive
He loves to drive and is often at the helm on campaign trails and other trips.
8. Law against defection
During his term as Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi enacted an anti-defection law in 1985, barring elected MPs from joining the opposition party until the next election.
heritage
Rajiv Gandhi is remembered as a charismatic politician who played a key role in ushering in India’s IT revolution.
Assassination
His life was cut short when he was assassinated by members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist organization from Sri Lanka, during a public event in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu , in May 1991.
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Updated: August 20, 2023, 09:59 AM IST
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