Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary. Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989.
Rajiv Gandhi became the country’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, in October 1984. Under his leadership, the Congress won a historic majority in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections.
Before entering politics, Rajiv Gandhi worked as a commercial pilot with Indian Airlines. He joined active politics after the death of his younger brother, Sanjay Gandhi, in 1980.
Rajiv Gandhi also played a role in promoting technology and modern communication in India. After the Congress lost the 1989 elections, he became the Leader of the Opposition.
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election campaign in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. He was 46 years old.
On his birth anniversary, leaders across the country remember Rajiv Gandhi and his contribution to India’s political and technological development.