Home / News / India News / Photos / IN PHOTOS: On his 34th death anniversary, a look at Rajiv Gandhi’s remarkable rise and legacy in frames

IN PHOTOS: On his 34th death anniversary, a look at Rajiv Gandhi’s remarkable rise and legacy in frames

Updated On: 21 May, 2025 02:52 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Rajiv Gandhi, who served as India's Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, was hailed as a visionary leader. He ignited hope in the hearts of millions and his bold reforms and forward-looking leadership helped lay the foundation for a modern, future-ready India. Here’s a glimpse into his inspiring journey. (Pics/ @INCIndia)

  • WhatsApp
  • Twitter
  • WhatsAppBookmarkBookmark
01
At 41, Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India and likely one of the youngest elected leaders globally. Pic/@INCIndia
At 41, Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India and likely one of the youngest elected leaders globally. Pic/@INCIndia
02
Rajiv's mother, Indira Gandhi, held the highest office as the Prime Minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977. His grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was 58 when he embarked on a 17-year tenure as free India’s first Prime Minister

Rajiv's mother, Indira Gandhi, held the highest office as the Prime Minister of India from January 1966 to March 1977. His grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was 58 when he embarked on a 17-year tenure as free India’s first Prime Minister

03
Beyond representing a generational shift in the country, Mr. Gandhi secured the largest electoral mandate in India’s history in 1984 when the Congress won more than 400 seats

Beyond representing a generational shift in the country, Mr. Gandhi secured the largest electoral mandate in India’s history in 1984 when the Congress won more than 400 seats

04
Rajiv's vision helped lay the foundation for India's IT boom in the 1990s and beyond

Rajiv's vision helped lay the foundation for India's IT boom in the 1990s and beyond

05
His government's Computer and IT Policy reduced import duties on computers and software to promote IT growth

His government's Computer and IT Policy reduced import duties on computers and software to promote IT growth

06
Rajiv's government's policies helped the foundation of the National Association of Software and Service Companies in 1988, boosting India's software industry. His government also encouraged computer education in schools and universities

Rajiv's government's policies helped the foundation of the National Association of Software and Service Companies in 1988, boosting India's software industry. His government also encouraged computer education in schools and universities

07
Characterised as modern-minded, decisive, yet undemonstrative, Gandhi was well-versed in the realm of advanced technology

Characterised as modern-minded, decisive, yet undemonstrative, Gandhi was well-versed in the realm of advanced technology

08
The Congress party suffered defeat in the 1989 elections, resulting in Gandhi assuming the role of leader of the opposition

The Congress party suffered defeat in the 1989 elections, resulting in Gandhi assuming the role of leader of the opposition

09
Following the collapse of the National Front in early 1991, elections were scheduled for May 1991. Tragically, he lost his life in a bomb blast on May 21, 1991, at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu

Following the collapse of the National Front in early 1991, elections were scheduled for May 1991. Tragically, he lost his life in a bomb blast on May 21, 1991, at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu

Recommended Photos

Next Gallery

Photo of Day

The people’s game

The people’s game

A boy playing football on the shore of Versova Jetty reminds us that we’re in for weeks of FIFA World Cup action. PIC/SHADAB KHAN