Dehradun, September 24, 2026:
ARUNODAY TIMES..
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi in Dehradun on Thursday, lighting 101 lamps at Rajiv Gandhi’s statue on Dispensary Road and 111 lamps at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Gandhi Park.
Speaking on the occasion, Rawat said the country is passing through a challenging period and there is a need to remember the ideals and contributions of leaders who played an important role in shaping India.
Rajiv Gandhi’s Vision for a Modern India
Recalling Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution, Rawat said the former Prime Minister envisioned India as a modern, technologically advanced and youth-oriented nation.
He highlighted initiatives associated with strengthening grassroots democracy and said that reducing the voting age to 18 gave young people a greater opportunity to participate in the democratic process. He also referred to efforts to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and increase women’s participation in political life.
Gandhi’s Message of Truth and Non-Violence
Speaking about Mahatma Gandhi, Rawat said that Gandhi demonstrated the power of truth and non-violence during the freedom movement.
He said Gandhi’s emphasis on Satyagraha and non-violence helped bring wider public participation into the freedom struggle. According to Rawat, the values of truth, non-violence, love and brotherhood remain relevant, particularly at a time when social divisions and differences are visible.
Call to Uphold Democratic Values
Rawat said both Mahatma Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had a vision of an India that was democratic, modern and inclusive, where the dignity and rights of every citizen were protected.
He called upon Congress workers to not merely remember the two leaders but also work towards upholding values associated with democracy, social justice, equality, truth and non-violence.
“Following their ideals and values is the true tribute to these great leaders,” Rawat said.
Congress Workers Sing Bhajans
During the programme, Congress workers collectively sang devotional songs and bhajans including “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye” and “De Di Hamein Azadi Bina Khadag Bina Dhaal” as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Former MLA Rajkumar, Lalchand Sharma, Virendra Pokhriyal, Mahendra Guru, Garima Mehra Dasauni, Arjun Sonkar, Sunil Banga, Sanjay Kanojia, Kamal Rawat, Prakash Sati, Om Prakash Sati, Suleman Ali, Mohan Kala, Suraj Chhetri, Amit Rawat, Nitin Chanchal, Abhishek Singh, Ashish Desai, Sunita Prakash, Piya Thapa, Devendra Kaur, Alpana Jadli, Diwan Singh Bisht, Sanjay Thapa, Sushil Rathi, Sharif Ahmad Beg, Vikas Chauhan, Mukesh Sonkar, Ami Chand Sonkar, Harsh Bagri, Shubham Chand, Aruna Kumar, Vansh Chaudhary, Anil Bagri, Manish Nagpal, Mohammad Faizal, Yash Thakur, Karan Valmiki and several other Congress workers were present
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