Rahul Gandhi Pays Emotional Tribute to Grandmother Indira Gandhi, Calls Her a ‘Beautiful Gift’
On Indira Gandhi's 42nd death anniversary, Rahul Gandhi recalls the Sanskrit prayer his grandmother taught him during childhood.
New Delhi, Oct 31: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid an emotional tribute to his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 42nd martyrdom anniversary, sharing a deeply personal childhood memory of the spiritual lesson she taught him.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi recalled sitting on his grandmother’s lap, holding her hands and listening to her recite a Sanskrit prayer. He remembered repeating the verses after her, describing the experience as a precious gift that has stayed with him over the years.
” Sitting on your lap. Holding both your hands. Listening to your voice say these words. Repeating them after you,” Rahul Gandhi wrote, before sharing the ancient Sanskrit prayer: “Asato ma sadgamaya, tamaso ma jyotirgamaya, mrityor ma amritam gamaya.”
The prayer conveys a profound spiritual message, seeking guidance from untruth towards truth, darkness towards light and mortality towards immortality. Rahul Gandhi also included the concluding invocation, “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti”.
Ending his post with an expression of affection and gratitude, he wrote, “What a beautiful gift you gave me dadi. What a gift. I never imagined.”
The message reflected the personal bond Rahul Gandhi shared with Indira Gandhi, offering a glimpse into memories that extended beyond her public life and political responsibilities. His recollection centred on a grandmother passing down a spiritual teaching to her grandson, highlighting the lasting influence of family experiences across generations.
Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, at the age of 66 by two of her security personnel at her official residence in New Delhi. Her killing shocked the nation and became one of the defining tragedies in India’s post-Independence history.
She remains the country’s first and only woman Prime Minister, having served two terms. Her first tenure began in January 1966 and continued until March 1977, while her second term started in January 1980 and ended with her assassination.
Indira Gandhi’s political career was marked by several consequential developments, including the 1971 war that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, the imposition of the Emergency between 1975 and 1977, and major political and economic decisions that influenced India’s development.
Her leadership continues to occupy a significant place in the country’s political history, with her legacy drawing both admiration and debate.
The anniversary is observed every year in remembrance of her life and contribution to the nation. Rahul Gandhi’s message, however, stood apart from conventional commemorations by focusing on an intimate childhood experience and the spiritual wisdom he recalled receiving from his grandmother.
His tribute brought attention to a personal memory that has remained meaningful decades after her death, underscoring the enduring connection between family, affection and inherited values.
