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Rajiv remembered

The article "Rajiv Gandhi — an appreciation" (June 24) is a glowing tribute to one of our finest leaders who could have achieved much more for the country had his life not been taken away cruelly.

His idea of power to the people through Panchayati Raj was significant. His courage and commitment to peace were commendable and evident from his opposition to U.S. hegemony and his various peace initiatives.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Srirangam, T.N.

* * *

Though his political life ended suddenly and tragically, Rajiv Gandhi carved a niche for himself through dedication and hard work. This silenced his critics who thought that he was an upstart and that greatness was thrust upon him.

He belonged to a family of Prime Ministers but never threw his weight about. With his vision and understanding of the needs of future India, Rajiv piloted our scientific development to new heights.

M. Somasekhar Prasad,
Badvel, A.P.

* * *

Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer's hagiography on Rajiv Gandhi overlooks the flaws committed by the Congress Government under him. It was under his leadership that the locks at the disputed structure in Ayodhya were opened for shilanyas.

The way his Government reacted to the Shah Bano case verdict reinforced the dangerous nature of its policy of religious appeasement.

Eldho Mathews,
Kottayam, Kerala

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