Rajiv Gandhi remembered on 24th death anniversary

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was today remembered on his 24th death anniversary with several leaders paying homage at his memorial here.

The late leader's wife and Congress President Sonia Gandhi accompanied by son and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka Gandhi and son-in-law Robert Vadra offered flowers at his memorial ' Vir Bhumi' here.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a number of party leaders including PC Chacko, Oscar Farnandes, Gulam Nabi Azad, Ajay Maken were among those who also paid tributes to the leader.

The programme included Morning Raga recital by Pt Ripesh Mishra and Pt Rajneesh Mishra.

It was followed by playing of an audio excerpt of a speech delivered by Rajiv Gandhi calling upon people for "building bridges, sinking differences and fighting for freedom" and talking about "awareness of younger generation."

After conclusion of the programme at Vir Bhumi, the Gandhi family reached Shakti Sthal, memorial of late Indira Gandhi, to pay their homage.

Returning from there, Rahul with folded hands greeted a large crowd of party workers who hailed late Rajiv And Indira.

Rajiv Gandhi, who was the sixth and youngest PM of India, was assassinated on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu during a poll campaign.