Every year on 20 August, India observes two meaningful occasions linked to the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (born 20 August 1944): Sadbhavana Diwas (Harmony Day) and Indian Akshay Urja Day (also known as Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas or National Renewable Energy Day).
These dual observances highlight national integration, communal harmony, and the urgent need to adopt renewable energy for a sustainable future. This comprehensive guide covers their history, significance, key facts, how they are celebrated, and a set of 20 practice MCQs with answers—ideal for students, competitive exam aspirants, teachers, and awareness campaigns.
What is Sadbhavana Diwas?
Sadbhavana Diwas (or Sadbhavna Diwas / Harmony Day) is observed annually on 20 August to promote peace, goodwill, national integration, and communal harmony among people of all castes, regions, religions, and languages.
“Sadbhavana” means goodwill or good feelings toward others. The day was first observed on 20 August 1992, a year after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination on 21 May 1991. It commemorates his vision of a modern, inclusive, and united India.
Key Objectives of Sadbhavana Diwas
- Foster emotional oneness and harmony across India’s diversity.
- Encourage resolution of differences through dialogue and constitutional means, rejecting violence.
- Inspire youth participation in nation-building.
- Uphold secularism and pluralistic values.
The Official Sadbhavana Pledge
Citizens, government offices, schools, and institutions take this pledge:
“I take this solemn pledge that I will work for the emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India regardless of caste, region, religion or language. I further pledge that I shall resolve all differences among us through dialogue and constitutional means without resorting to violence.”
Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award
Instituted in 1992 by the All India Congress Committee, this award (citation + cash prize of ₹10 lakh) recognizes outstanding contributions to communal harmony, national integration, and peace. Notable recipients include Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, Nirmala Deshpande, Amjad Ali Khan, SPIC MACAY, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, and others.
Rajiv Gandhi’s Legacy Relevant to Sadbhavana Diwas
Rajiv Gandhi became India’s youngest Prime Minister at age 40 in 1984 after Indira Gandhi’s assassination. His tenure (1984–1989) emphasized:
- Youth empowerment: Lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 (61st Constitutional Amendment).
- Education: National Policy on Education 1986 and establishment of Navodaya Vidyalayas.
- Grassroots democracy: Foundation for constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions (later realized via 73rd & 74th Amendments), including reservation for women.
- Technology & modernization: Telecom revolution (C-DOT, MTNL, PCO booths), computerization, and technology missions in telecom, literacy, immunization, drinking water, oilseeds, and dairy.
- Peace accords in Assam, Punjab, Mizoram, and elsewhere.
These efforts reflected his belief in a progressive, harmonious, and technologically advanced India.
What is Indian Akshay Urja Day?
Indian Akshay Urja Day (Akshay Urja Diwas / Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas / National Renewable Energy Day) is also observed on 20 August. “Akshay Urja” means inexhaustible or renewable energy.
Initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2004, the day raises awareness about renewable sources—solar, wind, hydro, biomass, biogas—and the need to reduce dependence on finite fossil fuels. The first event featured a human chain of nearly 12,000 schoolchildren in New Delhi and the release of a commemorative stamp.
Significance of Akshay Urja Day
- Promote clean, sustainable energy for energy security and environmental protection.
- Support India’s climate goals (Net Zero by 2070; 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030).
- Educate citizens, especially youth, about solar, wind, and other renewables.
- Highlight progress: India’s renewable capacity has grown dramatically (from ~76 GW in 2014 to well over 200–280+ GW range, with solar leading). Clean energy has crossed major milestones, including non-fossil capacity exceeding 300 GW in 2026 in some reports.
Both days are linked because 20 August is Rajiv Gandhi’s birthday, and his forward-looking vision included modernization and sustainable development.
How Are These Days Celebrated?
- Sadbhavana Diwas: Floral tributes at Veer Bhumi (Rajiv Gandhi’s memorial), pledge ceremonies in offices/schools, cultural programs, peace marches, seminars on national integration, and presentation of the Sadbhavana Award.
- Akshay Urja Day: Workshops, seminars, exhibitions on renewable energy, school competitions (poster-making, quizzes), awareness drives by state renewable energy agencies (e.g., UPNEDA), and promotion of schemes like PM-KUSUM and rooftop solar.
- Joint focus on youth involvement, environmental awareness, and unity.
20 MCQs with Answers on Sadbhavana Diwas & Indian Akshay Urja Day
1. On which date is Sadbhavana Diwas observed every year? A) 15 August B) 20 August C) 2 October D) 26 January Answer: B) 20 August
2. Sadbhavana Diwas commemorates the birth anniversary of which former Prime Minister? A) Jawaharlal Nehru B) Indira Gandhi C) Rajiv Gandhi D) Lal Bahadur Shastri Answer: C) Rajiv Gandhi
3. What does the word “Sadbhavana” primarily mean? A) Prosperity B) Goodwill / Harmony C) Freedom D) Knowledge Answer: B) Goodwill / Harmony
4. When was Sadbhavana Diwas first observed? A) 1984 B) 1991 C) 1992 D) 2004 Answer: C) 1992
5. Rajiv Gandhi became India’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of: A) 35 B) 40 C) 45 D) 50 Answer: B) 40
6. The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award was instituted in: A) 1984 B) 1991 C) 1992 D) 2000 Answer: C) 1992
7. Which of the following is part of the official Sadbhavana Pledge? A) Work for economic growth only B) Resolve differences through dialogue and constitutional means without violence C) Support only one religion D) Promote industrialisation exclusively Answer: B) Resolve differences through dialogue and constitutional means without violence
8. Indian Akshay Urja Day is also known as: A) National Science Day B) National Renewable Energy Day / Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas C) World Environment Day D) Energy Conservation Day Answer: B) National Renewable Energy Day / Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas
9. The Ministry that initiated Akshay Urja Day in 2004 is: A) Ministry of Power B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) C) Ministry of Environment D) Ministry of Science & Technology Answer: B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
10. “Akshay Urja” means: A) Atomic energy B) Inexhaustible / Renewable energy C) Coal energy D) Fossil fuel energy Answer: B) Inexhaustible / Renewable energy
11. Which of the following was a major contribution of Rajiv Gandhi related to education? A) Right to Education Act B) National Policy on Education 1986 and Navodaya Vidyalayas C) Mid-Day Meal Scheme only D) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Answer: B) National Policy on Education 1986 and Navodaya Vidyalayas
12. Rajiv Gandhi is often credited with laying the foundation for which democratic reform? A) Abolition of Privy Purses B) Constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions C) Introduction of GST D) Demonetisation Answer: B) Constitutional status for Panchayati Raj institutions
13. The voting age in India was lowered from 21 to 18 during whose tenure? A) Indira Gandhi B) Rajiv Gandhi C) P.V. Narasimha Rao D) Atal Bihari Vajpayee Answer: B) Rajiv Gandhi
14. Which organisation was established during Rajiv Gandhi’s time to advance indigenous telecom technology? A) ISRO B) C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) C) DRDO D) BARC Answer: B) C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics)
15. Akshay Urja Day aims primarily to: A) Promote nuclear energy only B) Raise awareness about renewable energy sources and reduce fossil fuel dependence C) Celebrate coal mining D) Focus only on hydroelectric power Answer: B) Raise awareness about renewable energy sources and reduce fossil fuel dependence
16. India’s ambitious non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030 is approximately: A) 100 GW B) 175 GW C) 500 GW D) 1000 GW Answer: C) 500 GW
17. Which of the following is NOT typically associated with celebrations of these days? A) Taking the Sadbhavana Pledge B) Renewable energy awareness programs C) Military parades D) Cultural programs promoting harmony Answer: C) Military parades
18. Notable recipients of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award include: A) Only politicians B) Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, Nirmala Deshpande, and others C) Only sports persons D) Only scientists Answer: B) Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, Nirmala Deshpande, and others
19. Both Sadbhavana Diwas and Akshay Urja Day are observed on 20 August because: A) It is Independence Day B) It is the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi C) It is Republic Day D) It marks the launch of the first satellite Answer: B) It is the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi
20. The main theme connecting both observances is: A) Economic liberalisation only B) Promotion of peace, national unity, and sustainable development through renewable energy C) Focus solely on agriculture D) Military strength Answer: B) Promotion of peace, national unity, and sustainable development through renewable energy
Conclusion
20 August – Sadbhavana Diwas and Indian Akshay Urja Day together remind us of Rajiv Gandhi’s dual vision: a harmonious, united India and a progressive nation powered by technology and clean energy. By taking the pledge of goodwill and adopting renewable sources, every citizen can contribute to national integration and a greener future