Saturday, August 20 2005 10:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today (August 20, 2005) led the nation in paying rich tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 61st birth anniversary.

A wreath was laid on behalf of President A P J Abdul Kalam at Gandhi's 'samaadhi' Vir Bhoomi here.

A host of dignitaries, including Delhi's Lt Governor B L Joshi, Union Ministers Shivraj Patil, K Natwar Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Meira Kumar and Kapil Sibal and Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also paid floral tributes at the samaadhi early this morning (August 20, 2005).

Gandhi's daughter Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra and their two children were present on the occasion. The UPA Chairperson was seen interacting with her grandchildren.

As patriotic songs rent the air, children with colourful ribbons in their hands and youths holding aloft pictures of Gandhi presented a touching tribute to the late leader.

The recording of a speech of the former Prime Minister was also played on the occasion.