UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi lays the foundation stone for Mizoram's first state-of-the-art stadium in Aizawl on March 6. Pic: Vanglaini

Aizawl, March 10, 2010 (Zonet): The foundation stone of Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Mualpui was laid by the UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi on March 6 afternoon.

The first phase of the Sports Stadium is being constructed at the cost of over 21 crore, 92 lakh rupees to be completed within 18 months and the construction work is undertaken by Lloyd Insulations (India) Ltd., Kolkata to be world class playground.

Addressing the gathering, the UPA Chairperson said, the sports stadium named after her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi will go a long way in digging out the talents of Mizoram youths in various sports disciplines like Football, Hockey, Wrestling, Boxing, Archery and others. Describing her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi as a lover of peace and architech of Mizoram peace accord signed in 1986, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi asked the people to preserve the hard earned peace and tranquility in the state.

Referring to the commitment made by the Congress leaders before 2008 Mizoram Assembly elections, the UPA Chairperson said, the Congress Government at the Centre is committed to fulfill its election promises including the New Land Use Policy and development of the State.

She also thanked the people of Mizoram for voting the Congress to power in the Assembly elections and the subsequent MP and VC elections. She also hailed the State Government’s intention to introduce education reform by setting up Education Reforms Commission and set up Medical College, Engineering College and other professional institutions.

She assured that the Centre will give all possible help in this regard. Referring to the initiative taken by the State Government to set up Sainik School in the State, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said, this will enable more youths of the State to join the defence service. She also announced that 8 thousand, 8 hundred crores rupees will be transferred to Mizoram as a special grant for the next five years and this has been reflected in the Union Budget which was presented to Lok Sabha recently.

Earlier, welcoming the VVIP, the Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla thanked Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and her family for showing special attention to Mizoram and described the late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi as the architech for peace in Mizoram and assured her that the people of the State will continues to cherish the valuable gift. Recalling his visit in 1986 in which the youth of Mizoram asked for world class playground, the Chief Minister said, the dream of the youths is being fulfilled now and this will enable Mizoram to contribute world class player to represent the country.

It may be recalled that construction of the Sports Stadium in Mualpui begun on 24th July 2009 and the Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla led the workers in starting the ground work. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi left Aizawl for Delhi this afternoon by Helicopter from Zembawk helipad.

She was seen off by the Chief Minister, his cabinet colleagues and senior officers. After the foundation laying ceremony, celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Congress was celebrated in the same venue. A community feast was also served for all the people.