Unity in Diversity and Sadbhavana Diwas
India, the land of diversity, where language and culture change every few kilometres, is marking another year of this harmony. And it is probably the only nation in the world that has so many cultures living together, bound by a national identity.
Apart from its diversity, it is the ‘unity in diversity’ that makes India stand out. The Sadbhavana Diwas is one such day that celebrates this unique feature of India. It is celebrated each year on August 20, marking the day when Rajiv Gandhi was born. Let’s learn more about this day!
key Points About Sadbhavana Diwas
- Promotes national unity by celebrating India’s “unity in diversity.”
- Honors Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy of modernization, peace, and integration.
- Encourages harmony and goodwill across caste, region, religion, and language.
- Reinforces civic values through the Sadbhavana pledge in schools and institutions.
- Inspires inclusive community activities and dialogue for social cohesion.
Rajiv Gandhi – Youngest Prime Minister
Rahiv Gandhi was only 40 years old when he held the office, becoming the youngest person to do so. He is also known to have received the largest mandate in the history of Indian polity. He was born in Bombay on 20 August 1944 to the leading political leader Indira Gandhi and Feroze Gandhi.
Cherished by the Public
Apart from the achievement of being the youngest, he was also cherished by the public. He held the office from 31 October 1984 to 2 December 1989. And although politics did not interest him as a child, he ended up becoming one of the most famous politicians of the nation, remembered even 80 years after his sad demise.
Tenure and Contributions
His tenure is remembered for technological advancement, modernisation, and national integration. He is attributed with the introduction of globalisation and digitisation in India. However, he also made enemies on his way. One such person was Kalaivani Rajaratnam who was upset over Rajiv Gandhi’s decision to send the Peace Keeping Force to Sri Lanka. As a result of this, he, along with others, conspired to assassinate the Prime Minister. The assassination took place at 10:10 pm on 21 May 1991, when Rajiv Gandhi was presenting a speech in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.
Remembering Rajiv Gandhi through Sadbhavana Diwas
Every year on 20 August, the citizens of India come together to cherish the beauty of diversity of the nation. The day marks the birth of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and is acclaimed as a day attributed to harmony and goodwill.
The First Sadbhavana Diwas
The first Sadbhavana Diwas was organised by the Indian National Congress in 1992 to remember the lost life of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This day reminds the citizens of India that national integration lies in peace and goodwill for others, that harmony stands at the centre of a nation’s strength, and that the difference within the nation makes us diverse but does not divide us.
Celebrations Across India
Every year, the day is celebrated via the organisation of several events and programs around the country. These are organised by various schools, colleges, government offices, social organisations, and other firms working for the betterment of the society.
The Sadbhavana Pledge
The activities follow the Sadbhavna pledge, which is administered across schools, colleges, and institutions to commit the citizens “to work for the emotional oneness and harmony of all, regardless of caste, region, religion, or language”. This pledge is taken in regional languages as well, to appreciate all cultures and languages.So what are you planning to do on this Sadbhavana Diwas?
