The Legacy of Rajiv Gandhi

In the years to come, scholars and historian who would have greater access to factual material would be in a better position to profile Rajiv Gandi’s contribution to the Indian Polity. Nevertheless, profiling the legacy of Rajiv Gandi and the era associated with him is not difficult, since the individual concerned was always in the public eye from the time of his birth. A reluctant debutant to the political arena in circumstances which are etched in public memory, Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister of the Republic of Indian forever changed the political scene of the country. Many profound developments are associated with his thinking and enunciation. Science and technology, Communications, Infrastructural Development, Space Research, are all areas of growth in today’s India. Getting them off the drawing boards has been attributed to Rajiv Gandhi. Also attributable to him was his vision and thrust in areas of conflict resolution within the country. The Rajiv-Longowal Accord, the Assam Accord, the peace initiatives in the north East and the soul stirring decision of cleaning the Ganga are only some major areas of interest. There is therefore a need to examine the many facets of this young Prime Minister, who inspired hope and promise amongst millions of his countrymen when he came to power. Yet, at the end of his rule, the Nation witnessed a dramatic change in the common man’s appreciation of Rajiv Gandhi. Bofors was only one of the many factors which dragged him down. There were many other stumbles along the way. The rise and fall of Rajiv Gandhi is an interesting historical perspective. New Approach decided to flesh out the man in the words of people who know him, followed his politics, examined his every move and had the feel and analytical mind of highlighting his strong points and at the same time showing up the warts. The legacy of Rajiv Gandi has been put forward by some of the most brilliant minds of the country. Someone once said, “If it was not for dreamers, the world would not be what it is today”. One thought that runs through all the articles written by the eminent panel who have contributed to this issue of the journals is that Rajiv Gandhi was a dreamer. He was destiny’s child. He was modern in outlook, yet passionately in love with this country’s culture and civilization like his maternal grandfather. Rajiv Gandhi had matured as a politician and was on the rebound. Tragically, life dealt him a cruel blow. The whole nation grieved. The nation however watches and wonders whether his widow will be able to take forward Rajiv’s Legacy. Readers will find the articles, highlighting all the high and lows of this youthful but prince, who, forever changed the political spectrum for young Indians of this generation.