Remembering Late Smt. Indira Gandhi

Late Smt. Indira Gandhi ji

It was in October 1984 when I was studying in Aligarh Muslim University , when the news of the sad assassination of Smt Indira Gandhi broke over the not-so-colourful Doordarshan at around 1.00 noon. I remember rushing back to the common Hall of my Hostel where there was a small crowd around the Black and white-TV which was broadcasting live this news and which showed how the TV cameras focused on the body of Indira ji ,lying in State . In the background, moronic music from the various archives of AIR and Doordarshan playing non-stop.
The memories floated in my mind when I was able to see how Smt Indira Gandhi used to visit Ranchi in an open jeep right from the airport to the Morhabadi Ground in the main town. The roads were to be barricaded and people would line up along the road to cheer her and have a close look at the graceful Prime Minister. She would be as bright and cheerful as one would rarely believe. The charisma and poise she held cannot be expressed in words. Her motorcade would stop every now and than, to accept garlands and she would throw back the flowers at the crowd. She loved children and women.
The times have changed and we hardly have an opportunity to see such a grace and eventful Prime Minster in our lives. The security and the accompaniments of the present-day political leaders have hardly any grace.
I had an opportunity to see and listen to a speech on modern India from Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi also at  Aligarh which had left a mark on my mind where in I selected M.Sc. (Computer Sciences ) for the first batch at Aligarh. The motivating words from Sri Rajiv ji still ring clear in my memory. He was so optimistic about the future use of Science and Technology that he never mentioned any direct reference to any religion. The focus in his speech at the academia was very clear.
I have met Rahul Gandhi in a tribal setting in Madhya Pradesh. His handshakes are warm and full of feelings, he seems to be a shadow of his father but yes the focus is lacking.
The three generation of Gandhi parivar has been before us but despite the colour TVs, net and technology to boost your PR,
Indira ji stands apart. She can never be compared to any of the present day Gandhis , she was and is a separate dynamic personality on her own.
The time change but that remain is the personalities who mold your feelings for your nation and the power to face the hardships of life.
I can say Smt Indira Gandhi had shown that light at the end of the tunnel and same is expected from her grandson Sri Rahul Gandhi.
May be I am wrong but than you need to give more space to Rahul for what he inherits and the time may soon come when he will be forced to deliver.
   The nation is looking at him.