Bengaluru, Aug 20 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna late Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary, recalling the faith the late leader placed in him during the formative years of his political career.
In a post on social media platform X, Shivakumar said he felt a “deep sense of gratitude” whenever he remembered Rajiv Gandhi and his encouragement to young leaders.
“He did not merely speak about the future; he had the courage to imagine a new India and inspire a generation to believe that it was possible,” Shivakumar said.
Recalling Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions, the Chief Minister highlighted the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18, efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and bring governance closer to the people, and initiatives to increase women’s participation in local governance.
Shivakumar also credited Rajiv Gandhi with laying the foundations for India’s IT and telecommunications revolution, modernising education and promoting the use of technology.
He said Rajiv Gandhi had encouraged a new generation of leaders to take responsibility for the country’s future and championed a modern and progressive India driven by science, technology and democratic values.
“As I work for Karnataka and our people, I carry with me the values and encouragement I received from him,” Shivakumar said.
He added that Rajiv Gandhi’s memory was not merely a part of his political journey but also a responsibility to continue working towards the modern, progressive and inclusive India that the former Prime Minister envisioned.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president B.K. Hariprasad paid tribute to Rajiv Gandhi, recalling his contributions to modernising India through science, technology and telecommunications.
In a post on social media platform X, Hariprasad said Rajiv Gandhi’s life and work served as an inspiration, particularly for his efforts to give a technological push to the making of modern India and lay the foundation for the telecommunications revolution.
“Rajiv Gandhi’s far-sighted initiatives for India’s unity, security and technological progress will remain forever,” Hariprasad said.
Recalling his association, Hariprasad said Rajiv Gandhi had instilled in him a strong sense of political commitment towards the struggle for social change.
“I remember with great respect my association with Rajiv ji, who instilled political commitment in me during the struggle for social change,” he said.
Hariprasad also described Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions to the country’s technological development and national security as a lasting legacy.
He offered his respects to the former Prime Minister on his birth anniversary, saying Rajiv Gandhi’s vision and contributions would continue to serve as an inspiration.
–IANS
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