Inspiring Youth to Follow Rajiv Gandhi’s Path

Bhubaneswar, (KCN Bureau): The 80th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was marked with a grand celebration at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, where young minds were urged to draw inspiration from his ideals. The state-level Rajiv Gandhi Talent Honour Festival organized by the Odisha Rajiv Gandhi Students’ Forum in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Studies Circle, highlighted his lasting impact on the nation.
Presided over by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Satyabrata Nayak, the event commenced at 11 AM with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by the Chief Guest, Professor Kumarabar Das, former Vice-Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University. In his keynote address, Professor Das lauded Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a society free from exploitation, corruption and inequality emphasizing that the youth are the torchbearers of this vision. He commended Rajiv Gandhi’s pivotal role in propelling India towards becoming a global leader in information technology, underscoring his unflinching commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
Professor Das also recalled Rajiv Gandhi’s courageous stance in criticizing his own government for the inefficiency in the distribution of public funds, where only 20 paisa out of every rupee reached the intended beneficiaries. He highlighted the historic decision made by Rajiv Gandhi to lower the voting age to 18, empowering millions of young Indians and strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Ramachandra Khuntia, serving as the keynote speaker, emphasized Rajiv Gandhi’s unwavering belief in secularism and his efforts to empower women through the Panchayati Raj system. He also praised Gandhi’s focus on uplifting marginalized communities, contributions that remain deeply impactful to this day.
The event featured an array of distinguished guests, including retired Air Vice Marshal Maharaja Mahanta, Dr. Tirupati Panigrahi, Chairman of the Hi-Tech Group and Dr Pabitra Mohan Samantaray, group Editor of The ‘Kaling Chronicle and Paryabekhyak”. Each shared personal reflections on Rajiv Gandhi’s multifaceted personality and his vision for a progressive India.
In his remarks, Mr Satyabrata Nayak emphasized the importance of service-oriented careers, suggesting that the greatest tribute to Rajiv Gandhi would be for the honoured students to dedicate their lives to public service.

Mr Padmakar Guru, the Forum’s General Secretary, introduced the guests and welcomed the audience with an inspiring address.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of 110 students from across the state, recognized for their outstanding achievements in various fields such as NCC, Scouts and Guides, Rangers, Rovers, NSS, Youth Red Cross, arts, science, Odissi dance, music and sports. These young talents were honoured with the state-level Rajiv Gandhi Talent Award presented by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
The event was meticulously coordinated by organizers Priyabrat Nayak, Sagar Ranjan Parida, Anil Kumar Mahanti, Anil Kumar Chhualsingh and Debendra Acharya. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Priyabrat Nayak, marking the end of a day dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Rajiv Gandhi.
The occasion served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for a prosperous and equitable India, inspiring the youth to carry forward his ideals in their future endeavors.