Rajiv Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, served as the nation’s 7th Prime Minister. His life, marked by both significant achievements and tragic events, continues to be a subject of discussion and analysis.

Wiki/Biography

Born on Sunday, 20 August 1944, in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, Rajiv Gandhi’s zodiac sign was Leo. His early education spanned several prestigious institutions, including Shiv Niketan School in New Delhi, Welham Boys’ School in Dehradun, and Doon School, Dehradun. He later enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge, pursuing B.Tech in 1965, and subsequently at Imperial College, London in 1966 to study Mechanical Engineering; however, he didn’t complete his degree at either institution. He openly acknowledged his lack of studiousness during his youth.

Rajiv Gandhi In College

Returning to India in 1966, Rajiv joined the Delhi Flying Club, where he underwent pilot training. After four years of rigorous training, he was recruited by Air India in 1970. His initial career aspirations lay outside the realm of politics, with a focus on aviation instead.

Rajiv Gandhi As A Pilot

It was during his time at Cambridge that he met Sonia Gandhi (née Edvige Antonia Albina Maino), whom he married in 1968 after a three-year courtship.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5’ 10”
• Weight (approx.): 70 kg
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Family, Wife & Caste

Rajiv Gandhi hailed from a Brahmin family. His father, Feroze Gandhi, and mother, Indira Gandhi, were both prominent Indian politicians. His younger brother, Sanjay Gandhi, was also involved in politics. Sanjay Gandhi was married to Maneka Gandhi, another notable figure in Indian politics.

He married Sonia Gandhi on February 25, 1968, in a Hindu ceremony. Together, they had two children: Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Rahul remains unmarried, while Priyanka is married to Robert Vadra.

Political Career

Rajiv’s entry into politics was prompted by the unexpected death of his younger brother, Sanjay Gandhi, in a plane crash. His mother, Indira Gandhi, encouraged him to join the political arena. He contested his first election from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency of Uttar Pradesh, securing a victory and taking the oath as a Member of Parliament on August 17, 1981. He later became the President of the Indian Youth Congress in December 1981.

Following his mother’s assassination in 1984, he assumed the office of Prime Minister in November 1984. A landslide victory for Congress in the subsequent elections solidified his position. He served as Prime Minister until December 2, 1989.

Controversies

Rajiv Gandhi’s premiership was marked by several controversies. The anti-Sikh riots following his mother’s assassination and his statement “When a giant tree falls, the earth below shakes,” drew widespread criticism. His frequent cabinet reshuffles also sparked debate and accusations of instability.

The Shah Bano case and the subsequent “Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986,” generated significant controversy, with accusations of minority appeasement.

The Bofors scandal, involving alleged bribes paid by a Swedish arms company, further damaged his reputation for honesty and integrity. Other controversies included accusations of holding secret Swiss bank accounts, and the handling of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Assassination

On May 21, 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, while campaigning for a Lok Sabha candidate. A suicide bomber detonated a bomb, resulting in his death and the deaths of 25 others.

Facts

• His name, Rajiv, means “lotus flower,” a tribute to his grandmother, Kamala Nehru.
• He was known for his interest in painting and drawing.
• He survived an assassination attempt in Sri Lanka in 1987.
• He played a significant role in modernizing India’s communication sector, earning him the title “Father of Information Technology and Telecom Revolution in India.”
• He lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
• He is credited with the creation of Panchayati Raj.
• He launched Operation Black Thunder in 1988.
• He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1991.
• May 21 is observed as Anti-Terrorism Day in India.

Timeline of Key Events

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