were among the first to pay floral tribute to the late leader at ‘Veer Bhumi’, the memorial of Rajiv Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra also paid floral tributes to their father who was assassinated on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu during a poll campaign. Vice President Hamid Ansari, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also paid homage to Gandhi. School children waving national flags were present at the memorial.
May 21 is also observed as Anti-Terrorism Day with an objective to keep youth away from terror activities. Among other activities, the Anti-terrorism and anti-violence pledge were taken in all Government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions on the day.
This year the oath was taken Friday itself as Central Government offices are closed today. Several other functions including debates, discussions, seminars, and lectures on the dangers of terrorism and violence being organised in schools, colleges and universities to mark the day.
Glowing tributes were also paid to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary in Tamil Nadu. Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K V Thangkabalu and other party leaders paid floral tributes to the late Prime minister at his memorial at Sriperumbudur. A memorial function is also being held at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development at Sriperumbudur.
In Kerala, anti-terrorism day has been observed under the guidance of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Thiruvananthapuram today. In a brief function held at the state secretariat, he administered anti-terrorism pledge to officials.