# Commemoration of Rajiv Gandhi birth anniversary > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/commemoration-of-rajiv-gandhi-birth-anniversary > Updated: 2026-08-20T09:18:28.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Indian political leaders across various parties observed the 82nd birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, a day recognized nationally as ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ (Harmony Day). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh offered tributes, with Singh highlighting Gandhi’s role in India’s technological progress. Leaders from the Congress party, including Mallikarjun Kharge, visited Veer Bhumi in New Delhi to honor his legacy as the ‘architect of modern India,’ specifically noting his contributions to the IT revolution and reforms such as lowering the voting age. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared a personal tribute on social media, reflecting on his father’s teachings regarding compassion and justice, while also honoring his mother, Sonia Gandhi. Kharge emphasized that strengthening India’s spirit of harmony and innovation serves as the best tribute to the former Prime Minister’s vision. Additional tributes from Congress officials, including Sonia Gandhi, further emphasized his role in implementing the 1988 New Education Policy. Rahul Gandhi also shared an emotional note regarding his mother and her upcoming memoir, ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Rahul Gandhi honors Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi Rahul Gandhi honored his late father, Rajiv Gandhi, on his birth anniversary, while praising his mother Sonia Gandhi's resilience and strength following her husband's death. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-honors-rajiv-gandhi-and-sonia-gandhi ### 2026-08-20: Rajiv Gandhi remembered by Indian leaders on 82nd birth anniversary Indian leaders, including PM Modi and Congress officials, paid tribute to former PM Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary, marking his legacy in IT, youth empowerment, and political reform. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/narendra-modi-honors-former-pm-rajiv-gandhi-on-birth-anniversary --- Cite as: Commemoration of Rajiv Gandhi birth anniversary. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/commemoration-of-rajiv-gandhi-birth-anniversary