He ardently propagated the importance of NAM, for maintaining world peace. During a non-aligned summit, Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who is known the world over as one of the greatest reformers, and one who built Singapore from a tiny island-nation into an economic power, told Rajiv ‚Listening to you, I was reminded of your grandfather. He had brought a new vision before the world. Lately I was beginning to despair. But now I am reassured. In you we now have a new voice on the world stage and I can go home unworried. Congratulations.'

He received much help for the fulfillment of his plans during the NAM summit at Belgrade and CHOGM at Kualalampur, in 1989. He also launched the Planet Protection Fund. Rajiv's belief is made clear when he said, ‚Always do the right thing. We have nothing to hide. Go and do your duty. Don't be afraid of anything.'

Rajiv spoke of social justice. For him, the key to equality lay in ensuring justice to all. He was an ardent believer in equality of all, and worked especially hard to promote equality among all, especially the girl child. He strove diligently to achieve equality in the sphere of education. He spoke of planned approach for the development of the economy. His close associate, Mani Shankar Aiyar recalls Rajiv's words as, ‚To the people of India, let us assure maximum democracy and maximum devolution. Let there be an end to the power brokers. Let us give power to the people.' He believed in social justice and equality of opportunities. He strengthened anti-poverty programs, and started the technology missions, to address issues which were critical for the country, especially those pertaining to the rural and backward classes.

He acknowledged that agriculture was the largest employment generating sector in the country. He emphasized on the role of the farmers in development. He spoke vehemently about the need for self-sufficiency in the agrarian sector, and also provision of such help to the farmers which he deemed necessary for their betterment.

His views on Indian industry were extremely progressive and wanted it to develop to its utmost capacity. He wished Indian products to be globally competitive. To achieve this vision, he spared no ends. He spoke of workers' welfare, and supported provision of such technical education, which would facilitate better production.

He felt deeply about the increase in terrorism. He sympathized with the victims of terrorist activities, and supported retaliating with full strength to end these problems. To end the insurgency in Punjab, he founded the Punjab Accord in 1985.

He knew that the environmental degradation taking place needed to be stopped. If the environment wasn't protected duly, then all efforts for development taking place, would be in vain. He was thoroughly committed to sustainable development, which was environment-friendly. He worked to provide a viable framework to deal with the problem of the threatened environment. Towards maintaining an ecological balance through afforestation he had said,' We must preserve and pass on to coming generations, an environment purer even than that which we have inherited.'

He had great hope and pride in the youth of India. He wanted to instill in them the strength of character, unity, non-violence and discipline, so that they could direct their efforts towards building a stronger and developed India.

For him, tourism was an important arena towards fostering cooperation and harmony among nation-states. Therefore, he encouraged tourism, so that people all over could interact and also comprehend and enjoy the rich diverse culture, of which he was so proud.

Rajiv was a quintessential humanitarian. His restless energies took him to the far corners of the sprawling nation where he dispersed a sustainable promise and brought back undying faith. The oppressed were his core constituency, his family which needed care. So he clinically assessed their problems and then strategised the best and the quickest ways to ameliorate their sufferings.

Eternal Rajiv, Epitome of Humanity, thus, includes a reflection of his vision in the form of his speeches, which have been selected judiciously by our researchers to present to you the envisions of Rajiv. We believe that words speak volumes when they are first hand. No one, but Rajiv himself can best explain his vision for India. He spoke at length on India's positioning on the global firmament and on the domestic issues of poverty and illiteracy that needed to be sorted out. In his words and also as in - depth analysis, we have tried to encase his initiatives as wholesomely as we could. Through this book, we wish to bring Rajiv back to his people, because the nation, at this juncture today, needs an example of love, of humility, of tolerance and generosity. And who can be a better example than Rajiv. Because, he is and will always be a true people's Prime Minister.