Born on August 20, 1944, to Indira and Feroze Gandhi, Rajiv was quite an introvert and a sensitive child who grew up to be known as an extremely gentle humane. He pursued his education at the Doon School, Dehradun and Trinity College, Cambridge.

Even though he belonged to a politically active family, he himself was never inclined towards the obvious domain. He would much rather spend time with his wife and his two children, than step into the turmoil of Indian political life. Rajiv was a homely person, and was very passionate about flying. After obtaining his commercial pilot's license, he flew for the Indian Airlines for some time, and was highly satisfied with his job. However, fate had something else in store for him–

The demise of his brother, Sanjay, changed Rajiv's life. It was then that he took his first step into the public life, at the behest of his mother, who looked upon him as the support, which previously, Sanjay provided in her political activities. Rajiv won from the Amethi Parliamentary Constituency in 1981, and again in 1984 and 1989. In 1982, he organized the Asian Games in New Delhi. A perfect family man, he lived life king - size, pinning himself with a commoner's mores.

Rajiv was sworn in as the Prime Minister in 1984, a few hours after Indira Gandhi's assassination. Not to be defeated by circumstances borne out of his mother's assassination, Rajiv grew up in those scarce moments in which the nation stood paralysed with the horror of ‚what next'. Even amidst his deep grief, he was entrusted with the responsibility of carrying forward the Nehru - Gandhi legacy. Rajiv systematically sprung pleasant surprises on us Indians and took little time to issue the stamp of viability and honest intentions in the highest of all offices. Even though he was a reluctant entrant to the scene of Indian politics, once he plunged into it, he was determined to face every situation with courage and determination.

Rajiv is remembered as a statesman, with an ever-smiling countenance. Though his schedule was always extremely tiring, he was seldom seen frowning. He was never too tired to listen to people in trouble, and was ever ready to lend them a helping hand. For the welfare of his people, he initiated novel measures which are remembered with gratefulness. He was generosity - personified. He set the most noble standards for the people to pick up from.

Because, whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard they set up, the world follows.

This book endeavours to reveal all facets of Rajiv's stupendous personality. It encompasses the broad gamut of responsibilities that he shouldered with panache. It brings to the fore the complete transformation he underwent, from being an out-and-out family man, to a statesman - par - excellence. This book also delves into the Nehru-Gandhi legacy, the architect being Motilal Nehru, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi himself, and now carried forward by Sonia Gandhi.

Rajiv was a great visionary. For him, being the Prime Minister did not mean exercising power. It meant a lot different: it meant performing his ‚duty'. Having led the Congress to a landslide victory, in 1984, unprecedented in independent India's history, he was determined to carry forward India into the twenty-first century, as a democratic, secular, sovereign, stable and strong country. Once when he was questioned by a journalist in London in 1985 as to how he would like to record his contribution, he had replied, '...Well as having brought India into the twenty-first century, parallel with the most advanced countries in the world– out of the branding of India as a developing country to the status of a developed nation.' It were his initiatives that propelled India into the twenty-first century.

Rajiv was aware of the drawbacks present in the Indian system of administration. He realized the need for an administrative system which was responsive to the needs of the people. Any matter, however small it may be, or however insignificant, never escaped his attention. American journalist, Jack Anderson, of the ‚Watergate' fame, said of Rajiv, ‚Rajiv Gandhi believes in the policy of reconciliation. He convinced me of that; those who surround him convinced me of that and his behavior convinced me of that; it includes conciliation with enemies... there was a magnetism about him, an electrifying quality, something that is difficult to define. Rajiv Gandhi speaks quietly but there is an excitement which you can feel as you listen to him. You believe, Yes! He can do it. It is not an attempt to be charming. It's just Rajiv Gandhi... Rajiv puts on no airs... The India of today has changed dramatically as a direct result of Gandhi's election... Now everybody is talking about the future... A thaw is taking place, right down to its roots...'