Rajiv
Gandhi
(1944-1991)
sixth prime minister
(1984-1989) of India,
the third member of his family to
attain that post
Rajiv Gandhi, grandson of
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru entered public life in February 1983
after the tragic death of his brother Sanjay Gandhi and became
the youngest Prime Minister of India following yet another
tragedy after the death of his mother Indira Gandhi in 1984.
He was also, perhaps one of the youngest elected heads of the
Governments in the democratic world.
Besides being the
harbinger of a generational change in the country, Mr. Gandhi
received the biggest mandate in the nation's history in the
elections to the Lok Sabha in the year 1984.
Rajiv Gandhi's
analytical abilities, inquiring mind freshness and vigour of
approach, optimism and objectivity enabled him to get to the
root of a crisis and find ways for solving some of our most
tangled problems.
Science and Technology were, for Rajiv
Gandhi, the keys to the future of India. The emphasis which
Rajiv laid on responsive administration was very
characteristic of him.
Rajiv Gandhi's concern for the weak
and disabled was deep and abiding.
It was during Rajiv
Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister that concrete steps were
taken to draw the youth more closely into nation building
activities. His Prime Ministership saw a tremendous growth in
India's stature in International affairs. Rajiv Gandhi had
great faith in the people of India and the future.
Rajiv
Gandhi was President of the Indian National Congress, Bombay
(1985), when the party celebrated its Centenary.
A bold,
courageous and dynamic leader Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated at
Sri Perambadur, Tamilnadu in 1991 when he was busy campaigning
for the Congress in Lok Sabha Elections as Party
President.
"As we build today so will be
the tomorrow. Together we will build for an India of the
twenty-first century. Together we will transform what needs
transformation. Together we will face challenges and obstacles
to progress. Together we will create an India that is strong,
wise and great - a flame of peace and tolerance"
From the
Broadcast to the Nation on 12th November
1984
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