Wednesday, December 29 2004 15:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Congress took a pledge to dedicate itself to serve the people of Tsunami-hit areas on its 120th Foundation day yesterday (Dec 28, 2004).

The party, which is already observing national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, did not celebrate the day in the wake of the devastations caused by the killer quakes on Sunday (Dec 26, 2004).

"There has been no celebrations due to the death of Rao but Party workers have decided to dedicate themselves to serve the people of the Tsunami affected states," Party spokesperson Girija Vyas said.

Death of thousands of people in the country due to Tsunami was another reason party not celebrating the day, she said.

Indian National Congress was founded this day in 1885.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi had earlier directed that there will be no flag hoisting or any kind of celebrations at any level all over the country on the day in view of the death of party chief and former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao.