In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all surrounded by the pain and suffering of loved ones, friends and acquaintances. The devastation is unimaginable, the suffering unfathomable. The nation requires healing. Our people require genuine hand-holding, untiring resolve and relentless hard work to tide over the crisis and its aftermath. These painful times remind me of one of India’s most compassionate prime ministers, Rajiv Gandhi.
Rajiv ji was a doting father, a committed husband, a dutiful son, and a loyal friend. But we all knew that for him, India and its multitude of people were the overriding priority. His unwavering commitment, limitless dedication and zeal to change India and usher it into the 21st century were unstoppable.
Today, as the country is going through an unprecedented national health crisis under a callous leadership which has been found wanting on every count, it is good to recall the life of a youthful leader, who not only dared to dream but implemented massive transformation and change without fanfare and with enduring effect.
Rajiv ji boldly took the road less travelled, and implemented out-of-the-box initiatives to prepare India for the 21st century. He held himself accountable to the people and never hesitated to explain, to answer and to communicate on all and any questions about his decisions and governance. Above all, his passion for science and technology powered India on a path of modernisation linked to global scientific and technological advancement. He used technology as a tool of equality and empowerment for India’s people.
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