Guwahati/Shillong : The 66th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was observed across northeast on Sep 3.

The Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee organized free health check-up camps for women at different parts of Guwahati on Sep 3. The camps were also followed by a cultural programme to pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi.

At the camps, specialist doctors from Gauhati Medical College and Hospi-tal (GMCH) conducted medical check-up of several women. Organizers also provided free medicines to ailing people attending the camp.

In keeping with Rajiv Gandhi's vision of serving the common man, we decided to observe his birth anniversary by providing needy women with free medical facilities. Further, we will also distribute edibles among patients in various hospitals across the city," said Abir Patra, the president of the district city Congress committee.

Members of the Mahila Congress Committee also said their intention to offer relief to women and children in distress as well as assist in empowering them through various women centric programmes.

"Under the directive of AICC, we have opened five special cells to pro-vide legal and financial assistance to women and children. Any woman or child being subjected to any form of harassment can call our helpline and we will provide her legal assistance and protection," said Sarifa Begum, the president of Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee.

"We have also opened a kishan cell through which we educate farmers on how to avail government schemes. This cell will also monitor actual implementation of schemes like NREGA among others and collaborate with various NGOs to carve out new sources of employment for women," added Sona Baruah, convener of the committee.

In Shillong, a seminar, "125th anniversary of Indian National Congress and social resurgence in India", was organized at Congress Bhavan to mark Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary.

Recalling the contribution of national and state heroes in achieving free-dom, chief minister Mukul Sangma said: "Time has come to decide how we streamline our strength towards building a new and resurgent India for which Rajiv Gandhi had laid the road map. Let us dedicate ourselves to rebuilding of our nation."