Sonia Gandhi pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 65th death anniversary

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The Nation on Wednesday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, on his 65th death anniversary.President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paid floral tribute to Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat. Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and a host of other dignitaries also paid tribute to the apostle of peace at his memorial. A series of functions are being organized throughout the country to mark the occasion.

Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to Gandhi Ji on his 65th death anniversary

The Nation on Wednesday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, on his 65th death anniversary. President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh paid floral tribute to Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat. Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and a host of other dignitaries also paid tribute to the apostle of peace at his memorial. A series of functions are being organized throughout the country to mark the occasion. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar. A lawyer by profession, Gandhi led the struggle for India''s independence from British rule by following the path of non-violence. Ironically, Gandhi was shot dead by a Hindu fanatic, Nathuram Godse, at a prayer meeting in Delhi on January 30, 1948, less than a year after India became independent. For more details: http://www.gandhisonia.com http://www.pressbrief.in

Rahul Gandhi's first speech after taking over as Congress Vice President

Newly appointed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while delivering his first speech after the new assignment at Congress' chintan shivir at the Jaipur on the concluding day said that the people of this country are his life and he will fight for them. "The people of India are my life and I will fight for the people of India and for this party. I will fight with everything I have. I invite all of you to stand up and take on this fight" said Rahul Gandhi amidst loud applauds. "This is a huge honour for me. Over the past 8 years and in the past 8 years the party has taught a lot to me. The party has reposed tremendous faith in me and I want to thank all of you from bottom of my heart for all the help and directions they have given me" he added.

Rahul Gandhi’s emotional speech conquers the hearts of partymen

Newly appointed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi struck an emotional chord with his supporters and senior party leaders when he explained how he went through the pain and tribulation of seeing his childhood badminton partners kill his grandmother Indira Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi said as a "little boy", he had learnt to play badminton at then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's residence with two securitymen. He liked to shuffle feet in badminton courts in search of balance in the complicated world. "They were my friends. Then one day, they killed my grandmother and took way the balance in my life," he said.

Rahul Gandhi's maiden address drifted from hard-nosed idealism to moving sentimentalism, a combination that had the auditorium in splits and roars, only to bring it to tears to conclude the session. The young leader also disclosed his mother's mixed feelings at his elevation on Saturday, at once happy at having persuaded the hesitant son to take the big leap but possibly terrified by what she had suffered.

"Last night, my mother came to my room and she cried. Why did she cry? She cried because she understands that the power so many people seek its actually a poison she can see it," he said, urging the leaders that power was best not chased for kicks but used to empower the weak.

The delivery and narrative was unbridled sentimentalism melted the Indians and the Congressmen present. He sought to remove the doubts about his persisting 'reluctant prince' image by saying there was no turning back after taking the big leap. "I like to end again by saying that for me the Congress party is now my life," said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi also stressed for the need to respond to aspirations of young, impatient India seeking a voice in "nation's future". He said the solution lay in changing the system rather than improvising it. He mocking of the fake champions fostered by political process evoked loud guffaws. "People who are corrupt stand up and talk about eradicating corruption... and people who disrespect women everyday of their life... talk about women's rights," he said.

Rahul Gandhi's first speech after taking over as Congress Vice President

 Newly appointed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while delivering his first speech after the new assignment at Congress' chintan shivir at the Jaipur on the concluding day said that the people of this country are his life and he will fight for them. "The people of India are my life and I will fight for the people of India and for this party. I will fight with everything I have. I invite all of you to stand up and take on this fight" said Rahul Gandhi amidst loud applauds.
"This is a huge honour for me. Over the past 8 years and in the past 8 years the party has taught a lot to me. The party has reposed tremendous faith in me and I want to thank all of you from bottom of my heart for all the help and directions they have given me" he added.

Rahul Gandhi strikes emotional chord in his first speech as Congress VP

Rahul Gandhi, in his maiden speech as Congress Vice President, struck an emotional note in calling for a transformation of the existing system. He said his mother came to his room in the night after naming him party vice-president and wept.

“She cried because she understands that power is actually a poison,” he said. “She could see what it could do to people around... We should not chase power for attributes of power. We should only see it to empower the voices,” the young Congress MP.

The two-day Congress’ chintan shivir attended by some 350 party leaders and the larger session on Sunday were to take stock of challenges before the party and prepare it for the electoral tests in the coming months.

Earlier, Sonia Gandhi called on the party rank and file to work hard and close ranks ahead of the forthcoming elections. “There is no reason that we should not return to power if Congress men work hard in unity,” Sonia Gandhi said on the final day of the party’s conclave.

Sonia Gandhi added that she will personally ensure the passage of legislation to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Remembering the Delhi gang-rape victim, Sonia Gandhi, who devoted the initial part of her speech to gender issues, said her death “will not go in vain”.

The Jaipur declaration, released after the meeting, emphasized the need for repositioning and reorganizing the party based on ideology and issues in preparation for the national election. “The Congress recognizes that there is a new aspiration for advancement among the people, especially among the youth and the middle class,” the declaration said.

“The Congress pledges to speak for both the young middle-class India and the young deprived India. The party will be responsive to the new aspirations of the youth and will offer credible policies and programmes for them especially job creating programmes,” it said.

Sonia Gandhi assures: Death of Delhi gang rape victim will not go in vain

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday while addressing the Congress’ Chintan Shivir in Jaipur said that the Delhi gang-rape victim embodied the spirit of an aspirational India and the government would ensure her sacrifice did not go in vain.

"The barbaric gang-rape of a young woman in the nation's capital has shaken the entire country. People are rightly demanding answers and action. This brave young woman in many ways embodied the spirit of an aspirational India. We will ensure that her death had not been in vain," Sonia Gandhi said on the final day of the party's 'Chintan Shivir'.

Sonia Gandhi added she would continue to press for passage of the bill for one-third reservation to women in assemblies and parliament. "I assure you I will personally continue to press for the passage of the law that would provide for one-third reservation for women in parliament and in state legislature," she said.

The Congress President said that the rape victim was tragically a symbol of thousands of women and children throughout the country who face a similar fate, whose lives are ruined or worse, and who are denied justice. "Every woman and every girl in our country has a fundamental constitutional right to feel safe and secure, to enjoy full equality in every respect," said Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress president also said the government was taking a series of steps to ensure higher gender equality, and counted legislative reservations as a major step. "Their (women's) growing involvement in panchayats and local administration is giving them a new voice and confidence. Making people aware of such legislation's and demanding its enforcement must become a priority in our political activities," she said.

Sonia Gandhi also slammed the series of anti-woman statements that have come out recently, saying it reflected a shameful mindset. "We cannot tolerate the shameful social mindset that leads to unspeakable atrocities on women and children. "In the last few weeks, some public figures have come out with truly shocking statements reflecting on these completely unacceptable attitudes. The Congress party has always been on the forefront, in the struggle for full empowerment of women and we will continue this campaign," she said. Sonia Gandhi said several new laws have been enacted and amendments made to ensure equal rights of inheritance, protect women from domestic violence and prevent sexual harassment at workplace.

Sonia Gandhi also mentioned a World Bank-aided project, Aajeevika, for expansion of women self-help groups and said enhanced focus on sanitation would have a positive impact on the dignity of women.

Rahul Gandhi's first interaction with media after taking over as Congress Vice President

Newly appointed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had a brief interaction with the media persons when he visited AICC office for the first time after taking over the new assignment. "Congress is the big instrument that can bring in changes. Congress party is a big instrument that brings in more youngsters. And it is the big and strong instrument than can transform the country" said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi visits AICC office for the first time after taking over as Congress Vice President

Congress leaders greeted newly appointed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on his first visit to AICC office after taking over as the new assignment in the party. The leaders greeted the young leader with followers and by shaking hands. Rahul Gandhi was appointed as Congress Vice President in the recently held Congress' Chintan Shivir at Jaipur.

Sonia Gandhi at Chintan Shivir calls for unity among Congress workers

In the Congress’ ‘Chinthan Shivir’ held in Jaipur, the Congress President Sonia Gandhi has sincerely attempted to introspect on many affairs. Sonia Gandhi tried to explore the inherent weaknesses and the core strength to caution and at the same time encourage the party cadres.

Sonia Gandhi warned the workers that they should take note of the fact that the party has floundered many opportunities. She said it was due to inability of the Congress party to function as disciplined and united team.

She admitted the need to balance the allies and Congress party. She felt that the traditional strongholds (in Congress votes) have been taken over by others. She has proposed a solution to get back what has been lost at the same time stressing the importance of having allies and asked the delegates to..

Touching upon gender issue like atrocities on women, discrimination against girl child, sexual harassment, women trafficking and female foeticide, Sonia Gandhi said women’s security is on top of the party’s agenda.

Sonia Gandhi also issued a warning to Congress workers that the middle class is fed up with corruption they face. She realized that middle class is growing and educated. Therefore they are better equipped to expect from the Government.

Sonia Gandhi added that for the Congress party, inclusiveness was not a political ploy to win elections. She claimed that the Congress is the only party combining economy with social harmony and justice. Sonia Gandhi stressed, “Development through economic growth and social justice are two sides of one coin”.

Sonia Gandhi has delivered a well prepared speech with five commandments which shows clarity of thoughts. It is really good to see that she has desisted from attacking the rival of the Congress party, BJP. Instead she has addressed the issues confronting her party and the Nation, a good sign for positive approach.

Sonia Gandhi has real passion towards India

This year also the birthday of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi went on calmly. She always has been reluctant to celebrate her birthday. At a time when political leaders waste lots of money for their birth day bash and for other similar occasions, here comes a different leader who always considers it improper to engage in unnecessary extravaganza.

For Sonia Gandhi politics is a way to serve the people. She was always concerned about the poor and underprivileged and the children. The Gandhi-Nehru family is known to the sacrifice for the nation. They always found it supreme to serve the people and the country. Sonia Gandhi proved that she also finds it important to serve the Nation than anything else. “Sacrifice for the nation is not the tradition of politics but it is the culture of our nation, the culture to serve the human kind” said Sonia Gandhi once. “31 years back I came to India as a bride of Rajiv Gandhi. And now I will spend my life till my last in this country and nobody can take away this right from me”. This shows her real passion towards India.

As chairperson of the National Advisory Committee and the UPA chairperson, she played an important role in making the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Right to Information Act into law.  She also actively involved in framing policies like Mid-day meal scheme for the school children, Right to Education, Anti Communal-ism Bill and Food security Bill. Sonia Gandhi is also keen to get the Women Reservation Bill implemented. Women empowerment has always been Sonia Gandhi’s main focus.

Now Gujarat election campaigning is going on. Sonia Gandhi led from the front and attended several rallies in the state. At a time, most of the opposite leaders engages in launching personal attacks, Sonia Gandhi never indulged in such narrow practices. She always focused on development, welfare of aam aadmi and progress of the nation. For Sonia Gandhi, the common man, the poor, tribals and underprivileged are the prime concern. As UPA Chairperson, she always took initiatives to press the Congress-led central government to frame pro-people policies and the country witnessed many welfare schemes under the present congress-led government.

On many occasions Sonia Gandhi recalled late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her husband and late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi highlighting their efforts for the development of the country and welfare of the people. She followed their footsteps and focused on common people’s problems and pains. And whenever she found that her intervention is required Sonia Gandhi never hesitated to do so. When today’s leaders move away from the people Sonia Gandhi and her son – Congress General Secrertary Rahul Gandhi - always tried to strike chord with the aam aadmi.

Sonia Gandhi :We as the Congress Party must work united, to come up to the people’s expectations

“The time has come to work together, as the people of our country have great expectations from our Congress party. And, only by fulfilling the aspirations of  people, we will definitely get the mandate again in the coming Lok Sabha  elections, just a little more than a year away from now,” declared Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

She in her concluding address on the concluding day of on-going Chintan Shivir  (brainstorming session) here on Sunday, urged the party workers to gear-up for effective organizational thrusts at all levels, in a meaningful manner.

“ Its time to look within, as the party. What makes us different and unique compared to other political out-fits in the country, must be outlined very clearly. We must answer effectively to questions as why people should vote for the Congress,” categorically stated Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Congress-led UPA has completed eight and half years at the Centre. It has been a long journey. “We have come up a long way and we must apprise the people with our achievements. Be it about projects under UPA flagship or about various legislations like Right to Information Act ( RTI) and many others, we must project these to the people in general. We have to tell that we as a party have been deeply concerned for the social justice and economic parity among all sections of the society,” she stressed.

Notably, at the very outset of her address at about 10.30 am on Sunday here, Congress President Sonia Gandhi deliberated upon about the unfortunate incident of Delhi gang-rape on December 16 last year. She strongly forwarded that death of  the gang-rape victim in the nation’s capital would not go in vain.

“She ( gang rape victim) was brave and she symbolized the spirit of new India. I will personally see that every single woman and single girl in the country are safe and secure,”  strongly advocated Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

She also talked about reservation for women in the Parliament and she said that it was the vision of late Rajiv Gandhi who forwarded for women’s reservation in the Panchayati Raj system.

Talking about the issue of development as being a poll plank by many political parties, she said that as a party, the Congress is committed for overall development with social justice and economic parity for all.

She urged the party workers to expose all those (other political parties) which claim the UPA flagship projects as their own. Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, “We have not discriminated against any state and have given financial assistance, as required. But, many states claim the Central projects as their own, which we must expose.”

“Congress-led UPA at the Centre is doing all it can, for the overall development of the nation. We as the party must also get into effective mechanism to let people know what all we have done so far and what all we are doing for the country,” she said.

Talking about global economic slowdown and its effect on the Indian economy, Congress President said that some hard decisions have been taken to keep away the likely damages on our economy. “We as the Congress Party must make people aware about these facts and the necessity of the decisions, taken in the interest of the nation,” she focused. She also talked about international relations and said that on accepted civilised structures, the country would go for it with any other country. 

  

In a statement declared from the dais of the Chintan Shivir, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that the Congress party has been led by great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Indira Gandhi., Maulana Azad, Dr B R Ambedkar, Rajiv Gandhi  and many others, to make India a modern country as it is today.

“We as the Congress Party have been fortunate to have been led by great visionaries and now, with their ideals, we must surge ahead to come up to the expectations of the people of this country,” announced Congress President Sonia Gandhi.