Rahul Gandhi pays emotional tribute to grandmother Indira Gandhi, recalls childhood memories

New Delhi, Oct 31 : Leader of the 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, recalling cherished childhood memories and a Sanskrit prayer she taught him.

In a deeply personal post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi recalled sitting on his grandmother's lap, holding her hands and listening to her recite an ancient Sanskrit prayer, which he would repeat after her.

" Sitting on your lap. Holding both your hands. Listening to your voice say these words. Repeating them after you," he wrote, sharing the prayer: "Asato ma sadgamaya, tamaso ma jyotirgamaya, mrityor ma amritam gamaya."

The prayer, traditionally interpreted as a plea to be led from untruth to truth, from darkness to light and from death to immortality, concluded with the words "Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti".

Expressing his gratitude and affection, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "What a beautiful gift you gave me dadi. What a gift. I never imagined."

His message offered a glimpse into his personal bond with Indira Gandhi, remembering her not just as a prominent political leader but also as a grandmother who passed on a spiritual lesson that remained close to his heart.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, at the age of 66, by her security personnel at her official residence in New Delhi. Her assassination sent shockwaves across the country and remains one of the most tragic episodes in India's political history.

India's first and, so far, only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi served two terms, from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

Her political legacy is associated with several landmark events, including the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh, the imposition of the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, and major political and economic developments that shaped the country.

Her martyrdom anniversary is observed across the country to remember her life, leadership and contribution to India's history.

Rahul Gandhi's tribute went beyond a conventional political remembrance, highlighting the enduring memories of a grandmother's affection and a spiritual lesson that he continues to cherish decades later.