'... I am young, and I too have a dream. I dream of an India - strong, independent, self-reliant and in the front rank of the nations of the world in the service of mankind...' said Rajiv Gandhi while addressing the Joint Session of the US Congress and India received a standing ovation.

The catapulting of Rajiv Gandhi as the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy, India, on 31st October, 1984, brought with it the much needed gust of fresh air to Indian politics. He infused the country with the youthful energy, a modern outlook and reforms, so desperately needed. During his tenure, India entered the period of globalization, modernization and harmonizing relations with countries all over.

This book brings to the forefront, the change which Rajiv underwent from a shy and introvert man, to becoming a leader par excellence, of a great country, India. This book encompasses every aspect of visionary Rajiv, who stood up against all odds, to make his dreams of a progressive India come true. When the entire nation was reeling under the shock of Indira Gandhi's assassination, Rajiv, even amidst his grief, stood up and shouldered, with great courage and honour, the enormous responsibility bestowed upon him, that of leading the country forward into the twenty-first century.

Rajiv introduced India to modern science and technology, which he considered as the very essence of development. He said, 'Freedom and racism cannot co-exist. Science and poverty cannot co-exist.' He wanted Indian industry to develop to its fullest capacity. He laid great emphasis on the green revolution which he looked upon as being extremely important for agricultural development. He spoke ardently about social justice. For him, equality among people was extremely important, because a society ridden with class and caste distinction was a hindrance to development.

Rajiv was a protagonist of world peace. To quote him, 'We may have made mistakes, but we have never faltered in our basic commitment to the vision of peaceful co-existence of nations guided by different philosophies of social action. What we have worked for, is to extend the concepts of democracy to the field of relationship between nations. We have been made to suffer for our stubborn independence, but we have not permitted that to bitterness or hatred.' He particularly emphasized on fostering peaceful relations with countries. He championed the cause of NAM, which he saw as a very important pedestal to facilitating peaceful relations between nations. He realized the futility of spending millions on arms and ammunition, and the wild pursuit of arms race, when a huge section of the population was starving. In this respect his concerns read, 'There are fifty thousand nuclear warheads already poised to wipe out the world several times over: equivalent to three tons of TNT for every man, woman and child– one single naval task force of a big power costs more than the GNP of eighty-six countries. What madness is this that puts trillion dollars into armaments every year and leaves but a pittance for human well-being?'

This book, straight from the heart and not an academic exercise, speaks of a quintessential humanitarian, for whom, 'the good of the people is the chief law.' It puts forward with extreme clarity, the ethos of love, harmony, tolerance, sagacity, wisdom, non-violence, truthfulness, fortitude and such other qualities, which go on to make him the person he was.

After Rajiv, it fell on his dignified widow, Sonia, to carry forward the legacy, which she did, and assisted by Rahul, is doing so with great devotion and dedication. As a testimony to her ability, it calls for cognizance of the fact that she brought about a major resurrection in the Congress. In the 2004 General Elections to the Lok Sabha, she wrought nothing short of a political miracle by almost single handedly shattering the NDA's myth of invincibility. As against a battery of star campaigners on the other side, Sonia was seemingly a solitary brigade.

That was not all. She made history by renouncing the offer to be the Prime Minister of India. She said that she never worked for authority or power, and installed the most acknowledged economic reformer India has known, as the Prime Minister. She did not want a hard-boiled politician for the august office, but, one who could bring in a measure of prosperity and harmony amongst the people of India.

Sonia's stature as a stateswoman rose by leaps and bounds. In fact, actually, it is very rarely known in contemporary global history, that a leader has declined an offer of the highest office in a democracy. Only those with a very strong resolute for service for one's people can do that, and she goes down in history as a phenomenal stateswoman. The world press' enunciations about her great sacrifice, are heart-rending, indeed.

Rahul's nomination as the Congress General Secretary has come as a morale-booster for the youth. His initiatives for the welfare of people are bound to bring a measure of transformation. His humility and simplicity has won hearts galore. His refrain from ministerial berth suggests his sense of renunciation. As a student of Development Economics, Rahul understands the nuances pretty well. Besides the academics, his sense of compassion for the suffering milieu, makes him absolutely outstanding.

The book is about a visionary statesman, a man who dared to dream. It is not just about facts and knowledge of a man who is a legend, but has accounts on his persona, his speeches, his quotes, tribute offered to him by eminent personalities, and a wide array of images and pictures, that would touch your heart. This book is a humble tribute to this complete man - a dutiful son, loving husband, doting father, true friend and a revered statesman. Rajiv left us for his heavenly abode, but his presence shall always remain with us. His light shall always shine on us, so that each one of us can endeavor to make his vision come true. By pledging ourselves to the cause of the underprivileged in the country, we will be keeping his soul alive.