The Union Government will continue with the 22-year-long tradition of observing the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi as “Sadbhavana Diwas” on August 20.
The theme of “Sadbhavana Diwas”, which is celebrated across the country every year, is to promote national integration and communal harmony and spread the message of goodwill towards everyone and eschewing violence.
“Preparations for the event are under way and a circular in this regard has been sent to all the ministries,” said a government official.
As part of the event, officials take a pledge to work for “the emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India regardless of caste, region, religion or language” and to resolve all differences “through dialogue and constitutional means without resorting to violence”.
The All India Congress Committee has also instituted the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award to commemorate the contributions of the former Prime Minister. It carries a citation and cash award of Rs.5 lakh. The award is bestowed upon those having contributed to the promotion of peace, communal harmony and national integration.
This year, noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali has been selected for the 22nd edition of the award that would be presented to him at a ceremony on August 20.
Among the previous recipients of the award are Mother Teresa, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip Kumar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and K.R. Narayanan.
