Remembering Rajiv Gandhi & How He Shaped Emerging India

A visionary of emerging India, Rajiv Gandhi had the manifestation of new democratic India. At the very age of 43, he became the youngest Prime Minister of India highlighting a great zeal of development and prosperity in the world of politics. Being an egalitarian, Rajiv Gandhi had an intuition of the 21st century India where all the bare minimum needs like food, clothing and shelter for all would be fulfilled. His dream involved making India a leading nation in every field starting from agriculture to technology, breaking all parochial social norms into modernizing India and bringing in economic liberalization.

In the light of the modern era, Rajiv Gandhi proved to be a true leader in a very short span of time (1984-1991). He ensured an overall economic development right from the grass-root level. Making a valuable contribution to the socio-economic welfare of the country, he was a reliable leader who made a lot of development policies.

Education System

Rajiv Gandhi had the clear knowledge that education is the bedrock of a developed democratic nation. To ascertain this fact he announced a new policy – National Policy On Education in January 1985. This policy started rolling from May 1986.

To promote an equal educational opportunity for all, especially for women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes of the society he started expanding scholarships, adult education, incentives, and new development of educational institutions across the length and breadth of the country.

He also said that masses should be educated enough to understand their voting rights, making the right choice of their political representative to transform the nation. Illiteracy can lead to a bias decision impacting the nation’s growth and ultimately giving way to tyranny. The only possible way to discuss the burning problems of the day and find out a solution is by educating the people of the nation. Hence, education is compulsory.

21st Century Dream

One of the biggest and most vital contributions of Rajiv Gandhi has been the introduction of Information Technology and Telecommunications in the Indian market. In 1987, Mr. Gandhi founded India’s Telecom Commission and brought in the concept of coin-dropping Public Call Offices (PCOs).

The revolution of Information Technology was also brought about by Rajiv Gandhi, who convinced the government to remove controls on computers thereby allowing the import of fully assembled motherboards and processors which led to the reduction in the prices of computers.

Social Justice

Rajiv Gandhi believed that all men and women should be treated alike and there should not be any discrimination made on the basis of caste, creed, religion, age, sex, and social stature. He wanted to establish a society marked by equality and secularism. As social justice reflects equal social rights, hence, Rajiv Gandhi highlighted the development of all classes and sections of the society to embark on ‘social justice’ in the true meaning of the phrase.

On 17th December 1985 during the Rajya Sabha debate on the 7th plan, Rajiv Gandhi established a strong fact that the main ideology of the Congress was to alleviate the poor section of the society and remove the unjust living standards.

Again, during the Lok Sabha debate over the Presidential Address on 27th February 1986, he raised the question of equality and development which included the how’s of upgrading the living standards of the poor, Scheduled Castes, Schedules tribes, minorities, women, children and the backward classes of the society.

Economic Reforms

During his term as the Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi reduced income tax and corporate tax rates, simplified the licensing procedure, and liberalized sectors like computers, drugs and textiles. Import duties on many items were also reduced and incentives were introduced for exporters. He should be credited for sowing the seeds of economic liberalization.

Weaker Sections

To ensure an egalitarian society, Rajiv Gandhi focussed on the development of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward sections of the society. During the National Development Council meeting in New Delhi on 29th April 1986, he addressed all the members of the Council and showed his concern regarding the desired reach of education in the minor sections of the society. Only by empowering these backward sections of the society one can establish total egalitarianism.

Power Of Youth

In 1988, Mr. Gandhi brought about a major change in the electoral system of India by lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. Although initially this reform was criticized but later on, Rajiv Gandhi convinced that empowering the youth of the nation is one of the building blocks in making a nation grow. Along with this, he also introduced electronic Voting Machines or (EVMs). This helped in contributing to fair elections.

Women Empowerment

Rajiv Gandhi well understood the role of women in bringing about an overall development in the social structure of the society. He considered them as the main founders of the society. In his view, he said that women from all walks of life should be active as they bind the society together making it only stronger. He also remarked that for a nation to develop rapidly, you cannot ignore the intelligence and contribution of the women population. Women should no longer be confined to the walls of the home but they should be provided with work opportunities to let them realize their full strength.

On this death anniversary of this great statesman, we at Kajaria Digital, the best digital marketing company in Kolkata, would like to show our token of gratitude to the visionary leader – Rajiv Gandhi. His contribution towards the new emerging India has been notable and revolutionary in every field.  He brought about an effective revolution in the field of Information Technology, Telecommunication, and science. He was a true dreamer who changed the dynamics of the country’s growth, weaving modernity and bringing about welfare for all.

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