Rajiv Gandhi was an Indian politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He was the son of Indira Gandhi, who was also a Prime Minister of India, and was known for his modernizing and liberal policies. Rajiv Gandhi made a number of significant speeches during his time as Prime Minister, and one such speech that stands out is his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 1988.
In his speech to the United Nations, Rajiv Gandhi highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by the world at the time. He began by discussing the importance of international cooperation and the role of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability. He noted that the world was facing a number of challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, and that it was important for nations to work together to address these challenges.
Rajiv Gandhi also spoke about the importance of democracy and human rights, stating that these values were essential for the progress and prosperity of any society. He emphasized the need for all nations to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, and called for an end to violence and conflict in regions such as Afghanistan, Cambodia, and the Middle East.
In addition to these issues, Rajiv Gandhi also addressed the issue of nuclear proliferation and the need for disarmament. He expressed concern about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and called for the complete elimination of nuclear arsenals. He argued that the continued existence of nuclear weapons posed a threat to global security and called for international efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate these weapons.
Overall, Rajiv Gandhi's speech to the United Nations demonstrated his commitment to international cooperation and the promotion of peace and stability. He recognized the challenges faced by the world and called for collective action to address these challenges. His message of democracy, human rights, and disarmament resonates strongly even today, and serves as a reminder of the need for the international community to work together to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Rajiv Gandhi Selected Speeches and Writings, Vol. 2 : Gandhi, Rajiv : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
He met it by changing the oppressed from within. But is it not also a fact that most of us, in our daily lives, do not think of ourselves as Indians? Generations will remember with gratitude the decisive direction Indira Gandhi gave to India's industrialisation and technological advance. They feel little concern of the creation of national wealth, only for a larger and larger share in it. But we obey no discipline, no rule, follow no principle of public weal. All the elements - education, health and nutrition, family planning, land reforms and cooperatives, communications, agriculture, animal husbandry, industrial and rural crafts - all have to come together in an integrated programme to wipe out the age - old curse of poverty. We shall put our best brains to work on this problem. Under his inspiration, basic industries, infrastructure, machine building, oil exploration, metals and minerals and defence industries were established.
Rajiv Gandhi Selected Speeches and Writings, Vol. 1 : Gandhi, Rajiv : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Is this the path that Gandhiji, Panditji and Indiraji showed to a secular, democratic India? Would the cry of social justice remain unheeded? After two years of incessant travelling, meeting people, reading and reflection, I felt I could go to her with my perceptions. To this cause, I pledge myself. His family was a great contribution to the country during the freedom struggle and beyond. And what did India do with this new life? To a reawakened India, he brought intimations of mighty historical forces at work on the world stage. There were intense pressures to abandon the path of planned development. The Congress represents the multi-faceted splendour of India.
Rajiv Gandhi Selected Speeches and Writings, Vol. 3 : Gandhi, Rajiv : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
But our schools and universities do not relate to the vision of the future. It is our fortune that one of our great freedom fighters, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Sahib, is with us today. Nothing would induce her to accept the dilution of an iota of India's unity and sovereignty, even at the cost of her life. They now protect the few who have, oblivious of millions who have not. He was a treat builder. But the question the media need to put to themselves is: Does their contribution to nation building measure up to their role in the freedom struggle? I kept my counsel to my-self, as I was an apprentice in the great school of politics. Through these honoured guests, we send our good wishes to the people of their countries.
