Patiala, May 21, 2018: Paying tributes to later Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 27th death anniversary, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Brahm Mahindra stated that credit for revolutionizing India the world over in the sphere of computer and information technology goes to Rajiv Gandhi.
He said that it was Rajiv Gandhi's his dream to take India to the 21st century as the most advanced and tech-savvy nation. But when the country direly needed his guidance, terrorism snatched him from us. However, his contribution as a champion of development will always be remembered by the grateful nation.
Brahm Mahindra was presiding over the function as the chief guest of the memorial lecture by the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Committee on the occasion.
He said that now when his death anniversary is being observed as anti-terrorism day today, we are facing a challenge from some forces trying to pull us towards their self-styled nationalism. ‘So we have to connect with an ideology that would lead us towards the unity, integrity, solidarity and the spirit of preserving the Constitution of our India.
The Health Minister said that Rajiv Gandhi wanted to save Punjab from the monstrous terrorism which claimed thousands of lives, including those of the police personnel and officers, young and innocent people. For this very purpose, he had signed Rajiv-Longowal accord with Akali Dal, which is also effective even today.
Meanwhile, Dr. Purshottam Aggarwal, Professor of Eminence from Jawaharlal Nehru University said that democracy is not just the game of the numbers; it is run by institutions, norms, and values. Referring to the present situation of Karnataka, he said that due to the strong organization like Supreme Court and the intellectuals and journalists who spoke their word, democracy could be saved.
Referring to the diversity of India, he said it was sad to see the Indians being taught a different kind of nationalism, but the idea of nationalism is not to blindly follow the path of a particular person.
Prof. Aggarwal said that without our diversity, our country cannot be imagined and if democracy in India is to be kept alive then the history should be kept alive in the minds of youth. Secularism is not a hollow slogan but persons of every religion had contributed to this country, he said adding that for the sake of democracy, it is necessary to develop intellectual discretion.
Founder convener of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Committee, Prof. Dharmender S. Sapolia welcomed the guests.
On the occasion, Dr. Harjit Singh Gill was given Rajiv Gandhi National Integration Award-2018, the stage was conducted by Mr. Pravesh Sharma. Whereas during the ceremony, Harinder Pal Sharma, Jaspal Singh Khalspur, Harbir Singh Dhindsa, Rajat Prashar, Amritpal Singh Namdhari, Councilor Mrs. Gurinder Kaur Kaleka, Meenakshi Singla, Sanjeev Sharma, Advocate Harvinder Shukla, Dr. KC Gupta, DC Gupta, Dr. R.K. Puri, Mrs. G.K. Dhillon, Megh Raj, KK Sehgal, Paramjit Singh Bhullar, CS Sandhu and Nand Lal Guraba and large number of others were also present.