IMPHAL, August 7: As in other parts of the country, the Sadbhavana Diwas- observed in commemoration of the August 20 birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi was held at the Secretariat South Block in the presence of the state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today.
The day which is actually observed on August 20 was observed today throughout the country as there is a general holiday on August 20 due to Eid-ul-Fitar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the day has been observed in commemoration of the former Prime Minister’s birth anniversary on August 20, however this year the day is being observed today.
Elaborating on the observation of the day, the state CM said, “The real objective for the observation of the day is to encourage and strengthened peace and unity amongst the people of the country with different communities, tribes, religions, languages etc.
The CM further expressed that the former Prime Minister had led the country towards a new beginning. The former Prime Minister had first banned political defection at the Parliament in 1985 in order to bring some stability in the country’s politics.
The former Prime Minister had also brought down the voting age to 18 years from 21.
The Chief Minister also said that differences amongst various communities of the country today have even more necessitated the need to observe the Sadbhavana Diwas.
He further appealed to the people to pledge to live in harmony with peace and unity to bring development to the country.
The observation was also attended by several Ministers including Social Welfare Minister Ak Mirabai and Vety Minister Govindas, MLAs and other state officials.