TRIBUTE

Homage at Veer Bhoomi

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi with her daughter Priyanka Vadra and son-in-law Mr. Robert Vadra, at Veer Bhoomi in New Delhi

A deluge of humanity descended on the Veer Bhoomi on 20th August joining Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka and Robert Vadra and others in remembering the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 57th birth anniversary.

Thousands of Congress activists from all parts of the country had assembled at the Veer Bhoomi which initially seemed to be a sombre function that began at around 6.40 am with people trickling in slowly. It had turned into a sea of humanity by the time the early morning sun had fully risen. The quietude of the morning was broken sporadically when party activists raised slogans in memory of Rajiv Gandhi, while huge banners, posters adorned the gates outside.

As prominent leaders offered flowers at the samadhi, fifty-seven Delhi school students presented a colourful dance drama with an emotionally nostalgic speech of Rajiv Gandhi being played in the background.

Prominent among those who arrived early at Rajiv Gandhi's samadhi were the Vice-President, Mr. Krishna Kant, Mr. Madhav Rao Scindia, Mrs. Najma Heptullah, Mr. J.P. Agarwal, Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Mrs. Mohsina Kidwai, Mr. Jagdish Tytler and Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer.

Others present included the Delhi Transport Minister, Mr. Pervez Hashmi, DPCC president, Mr. Subhash Chopra and Ms. Anjana Kanwar.

The Delhi state NSUI organised an "AIDS Awareness Campaign"

Smt. Sonia Gandhi, presenting tricycles to handicapped