Rajiv Gandhi birth anniversary: Top Congress leaders pay tributes to former PM

Top Congress leaders, including party president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, and former president Pranab Mukherjee, paid tributes to Rajiv Gandhi on his 75th birth anniversary on Tuesday.

At a prayer meeting organised at 'Veer Bhumi', the memorial of Rajiv Gandhi, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid homage along with other family members.

A host of Congress leaders were also present at the prayer meeting. Former vice president Hamid Ansari was also present.

Rahul Gandhi remembered his father as a patriot and a visionary whose far-sighted policies helped build India.

"Today we celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi ji, a patriot and a visionary, whose far-sighted policies helped build India.

"To me, he was a loving father who taught me never to hate, to forgive and to love all beings," he tweeted.

The Congress, while remembering the former prime minister, said his dream was to make India a formidable force in 21st century as he focused on technology, education and giving a voice to the disenfranchised.

"India's strength lies in its unity and diversity. As we remember Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his 75th birth anniversary, we must also remember that his words are now more relevant than ever. We must never allow communal madness to break the bond of unity among us all. #SadbhavanaDiwas," the Congress wrote on its official Twitter handle.

"Shri Rajiv Gandhi's dream was to make India a formidable force in the 21st century. He focused on technology, education & giving a voice to the disenfranchised. His vision & policies are the foundation upon which India thrived & for that he will always be revered," it said.

To observe the day as 'Sadbhavana Diwas', the Congress has planned a host of events during the week.

The party will also organise a big event at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Tuesday where the Congress president will speak. A cultural programme will also being organised.