Sadbhavna Diwas is a day that is celebrated annually on August 20th in India. It is a day for promoting the ideals of peace, harmony, and goodwill among all people, regardless of their caste, religion, or ethnicity. This day was established in memory of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India who was assassinated in 1991.
Rajiv Gandhi was a strong advocate for national unity and believed in the power of peace and nonviolence to bring people together. As we approach Sadbhavna Diwas 2023, let us take this opportunity to strengthen our commitment to promoting harmony in our country and the world.
Harmony Day 2023 Overview
| Name of the day | Sadbhavna Diwas 2023 |
| Also Known As | Harmony Day |
| Date | 20th August 2023 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Occasion | Birth Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi |
| Aim | To promote peace in the world |
| First celebrated in the year | 1992 |
Meaning and Significance of Sadbhavna Diwas
The word ‘Sadbhavana’ means goodwill, amity, and harmony. Sadbhavana Diwas is a day that reminds us of the importance of communal harmony, and goodwill. This day is also a call to action for all Indian citizens to work towards a common goal of peace and prosperity for all.
In 2023, Sadbhavana Diwas will be particularly significant as it marks the 79th birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi. There are many activities and events that take place on Sadbhavna Diwas, including speeches, rallies, and cultural programs. On this day, let us pledge to put aside our differences and work towards the greater good, just as Rajiv Gandhi did during his time as Prime Minister.
An Introduction to Shri Rajiv Gandhi
Rajiv Gandhi was an Indian politician who served as the sixth Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He was born on August 20, 1944, in Bombay (now Mumbai) and was the eldest son of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Rajiv was educated at the Doon School and Cambridge University.
After completing his education, he worked as a pilot for Indian Airlines before entering politics. In 1984, after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi was appointed as the Prime Minister of India.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, he implemented several economic and social reforms, including the introduction of computerization in government offices and the establishment of the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya System. However, his tenure was marred by several controversies including the Bofors scandal and the Sri Lankan Civil War.
On May 21, 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber while campaigning for the Congress Party in Tamil Nadu. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
History of Sadbhavana Diwas
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The assassination was carried out by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization seeking an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka.
To honour the legacy of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Sadbhavana Diwas was established in 1992, a year after his untimely death.
Different Ways to Observe Sadbhavana Diwas
Here are some ways to observe Harmony Day or Sadbhavana Diwas in India.
| Organize a Peace March | Organize a peace march in your community to promote unity and harmony among all citizens. This will help spread the message of peace and encourage people to come together. |
| Conduct Cultural Programs | Conduct cultural programs in your community to showcase the diversity of India. This will help people appreciate the different cultures and traditions of India and promote national integration. |
| Plant Trees | Planting trees is a great way to promote environmental awareness and contribute to the well-being of the planet. This will also help in promoting peace and harmony among all citizens. |
| Donate to Charity | Donate to a charity that works towards promoting peace and harmony in the country. This will help in creating a positive impact on society and promote the message of peace. |
| Organize Blood Donation Camps | Organize blood donation camps in your community to promote the spirit of giving and help those in need. |
Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award
The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award is an annual award sponsored by the All India Congress Committee. It was first awarded in 1992 and comes with a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs. The award is given to individuals or organizations who have worked towards promoting communal harmony in India.
Over the years, the award has been given to several notable individuals including Mother Teresa, Ustad Bismillah Khan, and Sunil Dutt.
5 Life Lessons to Learn From Rajiv Gandhi
- Embrace change: Rajiv Gandhi was a strong advocate for modernization and technological advancements. He introduced computerization to India and encouraged the use of technology in various fields.
- Education is the key: He believed that education was the key to progress and development. He worked towards improving the education system in India and increasing access to education for all.
- Stand up for what is right: Throughout his career, Rajiv Gandhi stood up for what he believed in and fought against corruption and injustice. He was a firm believer in democracy and worked towards strengthening it in India.
- Empower women: Rajiv Gandhi was a strong advocate for women’s rights and worked towards empowering women in India.
- Serve the people: He believed that public service was a noble cause and worked towards serving the people of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was first celebrated on August 20, 1992, on the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.
No, Sadbhavana Diwas is not a public holiday in India.
On Sadbhavana Diwas, people organize various events and activities to promote peace among people.
