<<Previous Page Next Page>>     'Throughout our history, communalism has weakened us...Our genius, throughout the ages, has been the way in which we have assimilated, in which we have absorbed, the way in which we have synthesized, how we have tolerated differences, how we have produced a harmony out of different groups of people in our country... Communalism is a danger that is common to all in India. It is a danger that attacks all equally, whether big or small, whether big communities or small communities. Our strength will lie not in allowing this to flourish but in seeing that everyone's interest is fulfilled by reducing communalism.' In Parliament, he made it a point to come well prepared for every debate. On the necessity of debate and discussion, he pointed out: 'There must be full discussion, because without debate there can be neither democracy nor a correct choice of path by us. Debate there must be, but it must be such that we follow our principles, our main tenets, and from that standpoint we examine what kind of programmes we are implementing and how we are progressing on the chosen path. Many times we see that there is less light and more heat in the way debates are conducted in our assemblies. So often we find some people arguing even with the Chair. Work does not proceed with indiscipline. This does not rebound to the credit of our democracy, nor to the honour of our country. We must think seriously about how to run our Assemblies, whether noise and agitation brings honor to the nation, or whether we can progress by engaging in serious discussions on material points. It is so easy to get one's name into the newspapers of our regions, to make the headlines. It is a painful reflection that people tend to forget the great difficulties with which this freedom was attained, how many people had to struggle.' 'If we make a joke of this freedom and throw it out of the window, there will be no saviour. Here, in such Assemblies, we have to establish that we are seriously prepared to defend that freedom, that today we are determined to struggle for the maintenance of the independence. In all seriousness, we have to show that Indian democracy is an example for the world. We have to look, not only at other developing nations, but also countries where democracy is long established, where it is a running concern and show them that our democracy is better and stronger than theirs.' Rajiv Gandhi's life ended in a terrorist attack at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on May 21, 1991. The assailants were LTTE men & women. His death threw the country into despondency. But let us not think or assume that this gentle human being died in vain. He laid down his life for his country and his countrymen. And therein lies a lesson for every Indian. The lesson is: India first, India foremost, always and forever. Rajiv's story is that of an unassuming man who rose to great heights, driven by the call of duty. The best tribute to Rajiv would be that each and every Indian imbibes the lesson of sacrifice that Rajiv wished his countrymen to learn. Finally, Rajiv did not belong to any caste, to any community to any one country. He truly epitomised 'Sarvadharma Sambhava' and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. He belonged to mankind. His story is that of the man next door who became a colossus by virtue of his sense of humaneness. Rajiv is not history. Rajiv is living history. The lamp Rajiv lit, the lamp of goodness in public life, will light the way for the youth everywhere in the world. Rajiv's dream was one world, one mankind, and peaceful co-existence. Let us strive to make his dream come true. <<Previous Page Next Page>>