By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Joining the rest of the country, Meghalaya on Tuesday observed the ‘Sadbhavna Diwas’ to mark the 69th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi.
As part of the observance, Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma took the lead during the ‘Sadbhavna pledge’ at the Main Secretariat here.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sangma said unity in diversity and communal harmony constitutes the strength of nationhood and civilization value.
He further observed that people should work for national unity and integration which will enable youth to participate in the system of democracy and progress and development of the nation.
The State Chief Secretary, Cabinet members and other Government officials also took the pledge.
Meanwhile, a function was organized at Congress Bhawan on Tuesday to mark the occasion.
Floral tributes were paid to the late Prime Minister by party leaders and workers.
Speaking on the occasion, Social Welfare Minister and MPCC working president, Deborah C Marak, said that the former veteran leader was largely responsible for speeding up the development of the country.
She asserted that late Gandhi, through his dynamic personality, brought India to the forefront of development.
Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong pointed out that the day aims to bring integration and to promote the spirit of oneness among all people.
Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) president Gabriel Wahlang said that late Rajiv Gandhi always worked for the youth of the country and he had been instrumental in bringing down the age of voting to 18 years from 21years.
Vice president of the State Mahila Congress, H Bareh, recalled the ambition of late Rajiv Gandhi who had favoured 33 per cent reservation for women in the country across all spheres.
She hoped that a bill that aims to ensure greater powers to women would be passed soon in the country.
All present at the function took the ‘Sadbhavna pledge’ and reiterated their commitment to promote peace and equality among all sections of people.
‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ is observed every year on August 20 and the theme of the day is to promote national integration and communal harmony among people of all religions and castes.