Early Life and Education

Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944, in Bombay (now Mumbai) Maharashtra. He was the eldest son of Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman Prime Minister, and Feroze Gandhi, a respected parliamentarian. Growing up in the Nehru-Gandhi family, he experienced public life from an early age.

He studied at the Doon School in Dehradun, then pursued engineering at Imperial College, London, and Trinity College, Cambridge. However, he did not complete his degree. Rajiv chose a quiet life and worked as a commercial pilot for Indian Airlines, keeping himself away from politics for many years.

Reluctant Entry into Politics

After his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane crash in 1980, Rajiv entered politics at the urging of his mother and senior Congress leaders. He successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections and began assisting his mother with political matters.

Following Indira Gandhi’s assassination on October 31, 1984, he took oath as Prime Minister of India, becoming the youngest person to hold the office at age 40.

Prime Ministership (1984–1989)

Rajiv Gandhi led the country as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. He brought a modern outlook to governance and prioritized technological and economic progress.

During his tenure, he:

Expanded telecommunications and IT infrastructure
Promoted computerization and science education
Strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions (local governance)
Reformed education and supported youth development

He tried to reduce bureaucratic red tape and streamline government operations. He also focused on strengthening India’s relations with neighboring countries and promoting peace in South Asia.

Challenges and Setbacks

His government faced major challenges. In 1984, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy—one of the world’s worst industrial disasters—occurred early in his term.

Later, the Bofors Scandal, involving alleged corruption in a defense contract, damaged his public image. The controversy sparked national outrage and contributed to the Congress Party’s defeat in the 1989 elections.

Assassination and Death

Even after the electoral loss, Rajiv continued to stay active in politics. On May 21, 1991, while campaigning in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, a suicide bomber from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) assassinated him. His violent death shocked the nation and ended a promising political journey.

Legacy

Rajiv Gandhi is remembered as a reformer who sought to modernize India and connect it with the changing global landscape. His push for technology, decentralization, and education laid the foundation for future development.

In 1991, the Government of India posthumously honored him with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award. His birth anniversary, August 20, is celebrated as Sadbhavana Diwas, promoting peace, unity, and goodwill.