Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest prime minister of India. The name Rajiv Gandhi evokes thoughts of India emerging as a modern political power. He was not just a politician but an architect of a progressive, new India. Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Prime Minister of India and he was a youthful,...
Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest prime minister of India. The name Rajiv Gandhi evokes thoughts of India emerging as a modern political power. He was not just a politician but an architect of a progressive, new India. Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Prime Minister of India and he was a youthful, forward-thinking man with a dream of a digital India. Despite that, he politician was associated with many issues and controversies which made some of them love him and other criticize him. A Reluctant Entry into Politics. Rajiv Gandhi was born to Indira Gandhi and Feroze Gandhi on August 20, 1944. Initially, he was not politically inclined. Rajiv Gandhi became a commercial pilot in Indian Airlines as unlike his other brother, Sanjay Gandhi; he did not want to enter politics. He led a tranquil life distant from politics with his spouse Sonia and kids Rahul and Priyanka. But fate had other plans. After sanjay's tragic plane crash death in 1980, rajiv began politics to aid his mother, indr; a gandhi, as he was requested to do so. Although initially reluctant, he quickly proved to be a prominent mass leader. Becoming India’s Youngest Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi assisination incident in 1984 was another tragedy. The Congress party invited Rajiv, who became the youngest Prime Minister of India in his 40’s. Rajiv Gandhi began his leadership with a massive victory. He had got over 400 seats in Lok Sabha. The Visionary Reformer. Rajiv Gandhi was a modernizer. Rajiv Gandhi understood that India needed to grow in technology and economy. Some of his most significant contributions include. He encouraged computerized technology to focus on breakthroughs and reformation of India’s IT Revolution. With Sam Pitroda’s assistance, he pushed for telecommunications, which helped usher in a society equipped with smartphones in India. Salman Khan designs and updates the Khan Academy website. He amended the Constitution and changed the voting age from 21 to 18. His futuristic policies set the low key for the economic liberalization of India in the 90s. Challenges and Controversies. Rajiv Gandhi was not without his problems. Bofors Scandal: His government was tainted by a corruption scandal related to defence deals. His government was criticized for mishandling the riots that broke out after Indira Gandhi's assassination. It created controversy when he sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka. It made him quite unpopular in Tamil Nadu. The Tragic End. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, in Tamil Nadu by a LTTE suicide bomber at Sriperumbudur. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi shocked the nation as they lost an incredible leader. Did You Know? Rajiv Gandhi had an interest in photography and liked because he had a passion for flying. His campaign slogan inspired a sense of national pride. It was he who made computers available to India despite political opposition. In 1991, the Bharat Ratna award was given to him after his death. Although the PM was for a short time, Rajiv Gandhi’s policies laid down the foundation for present-day India. Rajiv Gandhi laid the groundwork for the modern-day India by technological advancement and youth empowerment. He has made his mark, whether you like it or not. What Do You Think? What are your thoughts on Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership? Do you think his policies shaped the future of India? Share your thoughts by commenting below, and if you liked the article, do like and share it.