Indira Gandhi’s services to the nation recalled

Karimnagar: Scores of Congress leaders recalled the services of former prime minister Indira Gandhi to the nation while celebrating her 96th birth anniversary (97th birthday) here on Tuesday.

The Congress leaders, at a programme held at District Congress Committee (DCC) office, garlanded the portrait of late Indira Gandhi and paid rich tributes to her. Then, they garlanded the statue of Indira Gandhi at Telangana Chowk and recollected her services to the nation.

``During her tenure as prime minister, the country shot into fame internationally as she had successfully countered the attacks by neighbouring countries on India. She had also differed with the heads of US and European countries on certain matters and asserted the stand taken by the country. She was one of the important leaders among the world countries at the time,’’ the Congress leaders said addressing the gathering.

Within the country, she had introduced several welfare schemes for the benefit of the poor. She was instrumental in cancelling annual payment to former princely states, in nationalizing banks and implementing schemes for the downtrodden with the slogan `Garibi Hatao’, they said.

DCC president Konduri Ravinder Rao, who presided over the meeting, said that the country had progressed a lot during her prime-ministership. The State Government had also introduced several schemes which were proposed by her, he said. She also led the party successfully and the people of present generation are enjoying the fruits of the schemes which were introduced during her period, he said.