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Monday, Nov 01, 2004

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National

Tributes paid to Indira Gandhi

By Our Special Correspondent

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives to pay homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her 21st death anniversary at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi on Sunday. _ Photo: Anu Pushkarna

NEW DELHI, OCT. 31. Tributes were paid to the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, today on her 20th death anniversary which was observed as Anti-Terrorism Day, and marked by functions and blood donation camps across the country.

In the capital, the day began at her samadhi at Shakti Sthal where the Who's Who of the political class converged to offer floral tributes and take part in the all-religion prayer meeting. While a wreath was placed at the samadhi on behalf of the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, himself offered floral tribute.

Prominent among those who attended the function at Shakti Sthal were the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, who was accompanied by her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra. Besides, a host of Congress Ministers in the Union Cabinet, members of Parliament and the Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, were present.

Later, many of them attended a meeting at the 1, Safdarjung Road residence of the former Prime Minister — since converted into a memorial — where she was gunned down by her security personnel.

Similar functions were organised in various parts of the city. In many buildings, particularly the premises of State Governments, Indira Gandhi's portrait was put up at vantage points for people to offer floral tributes.

Tributes were also paid during the day to the `Iron Man of India', Vallabhbhai Patel, on his 129th birth anniversary.

A function was organised at the Central Hall of Parliament and was attended by the Prime Minister and many of his Cabinet colleagues.

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