All you need to know about Sadbhavana Diwas 2024—date, history, significance and more

He emphasised the need for communal harmony and national integration while advocating for India’s advancement through technological innovation.

Tributes to our former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji on his birth anniversary.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 20, 2024

The observance of Sadbhavana Diwas serves as a reminder of his vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and united India. Here’s all you need to know about the day.

Sadbhavana Diwas 2024: History and Significance

This national observance commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was born on August 20, 1944, and served as the sixth Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1991.

He became the youngest Indian prime minister at the age of 40, succeeding his mother, then–Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, after her assassination.

Sadbhavana Diwas holds immense significance in India; it serves as a reminder of Rajiv Gandhi’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and harmony among people of diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures.

The observance emphasises the importance of embracing diversity, respecting differences, and working together towards the common goal of nation-building.

Sadbhavana Diwas 2024: Celebrations and Quotes

On Sadbhavana Diwas, various commemorative events and celebrations take place across India. Government officials, political leaders, and citizens gather to pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi and rededicate themselves to his vision of a harmonious and prosperous nation.

Cultural programs, seminars, and discussions are organised to highlight the day’s significance and promote peace and unity.

As Rajiv Gandhi’s words continue to inspire and guide the nation towards a future of harmony and progress, here are some of his most memorable quotes.

• India is an old country, but a young nation… I am young, and I too have a dream. I dream of an India strong, independent, self-reliant, and in the front rank of the nations of the world in the service of mankind.
• It is the compartmentalization of India into rigidly separated rural and urban settlements that has been the worst legacy of the colonial system of local-self government.
• Education must be a great equaliser in our society. It must be the tool to level the differences that our various social systems have created over the past thousands of years.
• Women are the social conscience of a country. They hold our societies together.
• Development is not about factories, dams, and roads. Development is about people. The goal is material, cultural and spiritual fulfilment for the people. The human factor is of supreme value in development.