New Delhi, Nov 19 (FN Bureau) Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had left an indelible imprint on our country. She made the statement while addressing the Indira Gandhi award ceremony at Jawahar Bhawan here, organised on the 105th birth anniversary of the former PM. Recalling her contribution, Sonia, who is also the chairperson of Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, and Congress Parliamentary Party, said, “She (Indira) continues to be applauded and admired for her numerous achievements.
Even her critics recognise that there was an unchanging core to her personality, that defined who she was and what she did – that is, her fierce commitment to an all-inclusive patriotism, staunch secularism, indomitable courage and fortitude, empathy for the poor and instinctive rapport with the people, support to self-reliance in all fields, especially in science and technology.” She also said the former PM had firm belief in the value of education as an instrument of social emancipation and empowerment. Talking about the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, the former Congress chief said,”For over three and a half decades since its institution in 1985, this prestigious has been conferred on a wide array of distinguished men and women.
“Indira Gandhi strove for innovation in education during her tenure as PM. We are glad that the prize for 2021 is being received on behalf of Pratham by Rukmini Banerji,” she said. Former Vice President M Hamid Ansari, who was also present, gave away the award to Banerji. Remembering the former PM, he called her a ‘statesman’. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior party leaders Ashok Gehlot and KC Venugopal, among others were present on the occasion.