Thursday, May 21, 2009

Remembering Rajiv

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."

-- Rosalynn Carter


Today is the 18th death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.

Footnotes:

Image Courtesy - Google Images

27 comments:

  1. This day was still in my memories even though I was 6 then, where all shops where closed and roads were empty, groups of people discussing seriously about around the streets and we were doing tea business behind the closed shutter of our grandpa’s tea shop. I felt there was unusually, but never known seriousness until growing up.

    Nearly the days come closer the group that killed him is no more.

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  2. I clearly remember that day. It was early in the morning. My mother, almost weeping, woke me up and gave me that shocking news. Rajiv Gandhi was undoubtedly a leader with a vision. His death was India's loss. I join you in paying tributes to the great leader.

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  3. Just the quote..which says "ought to be"... makes me not want to write what I had to ...

    Maybe someday I will realize..lets see..

    Thanks for the wonderful quote.

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  4. Sad day for India. Most definately. More so for me. I liked the guy.

    Especially since I had got a letter from the guy himself.

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  5. Rajiv Gandhi !! A Real Personality Or I Must Say A Real GentleMan Who Had The Idea To Change The India And Upto A Level He Was Successful..Thanks Rakesh For Refreshing The Patriotic Thoughts ...

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  6. I didn't know much about him as I was very young when he was in the helm of politics. But hope his vision is carried forward by Rahul.

    Destination Infinity

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  7. Thanks for remembering him, Rak..and the tribute,

    In many ways a Change Agent for Modern India :)

    wishes,
    devika

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  8. I remember the days vividly! Hailing from a family full of congress supporters! I can tell I rather felt it like some distant relative died.. and those memories came flodding back when I read the India today issue right after his death!

    Just reminded of dumbledore for some strange reasons, as DD calls an old man's folly!!!

    And thanks for the timely write-up and a nice quote!! Well I hope the people can look forward for a Rajiv in Rahul Gandhi!!!

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  9. Hi Rakesh! Sorry for the absence, but I’ve been busy with my parents’ health; almost 180 years to care... ;)

    What a wonderful quote!!
    And also other great posts, as always!!

    Blogtrotter is paying homage to Vilnius as European Capital of Culture 2009. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

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  10. Jeevan

    Pretty much the same! I was in Kerala, enjoying my summer vacations, staying over at an Aunt's place when I get the news!
    The memory remains etched in my mind and is very clear even to this day!

    Rakesh

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  11. Old Monk

    Yes, like I told Jeevan in the previous comment, the memory remains etched in my mind and is very clear even to this day!
    Its quite unforgettable!

    Rajiv was a true visionary and a great leader. Him not being around is perhaps one of India's greatest losses!

    Rakesh

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  12. Samby

    What did you want to write? Tell me? Perhaps, I could have an opinion on that!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  13. Andy

    Truly, a very sad day for India! I too liked him for what he was! Hard to find a leader like him today!
    btw.....what was the letter about, if you wanna share that is!

    Rakesh

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  14. Bharath K

    Quite true! A person unparalleled! Tragic loss!

    Rakesh

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  15. DI

    Lets hope, like you said that Rahul furthers the vision that Rajiv had!

    Rakesh

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  16. Devika Chechi

    I agree, he was indeed a change agent..... sadly we lost him!

    Rakesh

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  17. Bharath

    Rajiv's death was a very tragic moment for India! I can relate to how you might have felt! He was a wonderful leader and the nation misses him today, when we need someone like him so very badly!

    Rakesh

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  18. Gil

    I hope your parents are doing well! Do wish them well from my side!

    Thanks for your comments and posts, as always!

    Rakesh

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  19. yep he's a great man!

    Its truly a great loss.


    Keshi.

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  20. Yes he was a visionary indeed. And it was a sad loss.
    I was really glad with these elections results...

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  21. IHM

    Quite true! India needs a leader like him, desperately

    Rakesh

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  22. I said so because I really am sad about how he handled IPKF.. and well specially after that attack on him by that guardsman ?? remebr that.. rifle butt.. He is the PM goddammit..

    And I am not just saying this beacuse I am from the army..

    Again I haven't read much about him except in the above context.. so I refrained from commenting..

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  23. Samby

    Yes, IPKF was India's biggest mistake concocted by Rajiv himself!

    I will tell you something I heard about the IPKF, when we catch up!

    Besides, I also remember that rifle butting incident when Rajiv was in SL!

    One of the many flaws of a man who was otherwise cleaner than the lot today!

    Rakesh

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  24. Oh yes! We neva run outta topics n beer... what a perfect combination.. from top pubs to seedy bars.. next time?? god knows !! adventure man :D

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