November 5, 1984

Mrs Indira Gandhi - death of a legend

The news of the assassination of the Indian Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi cannot but sadden the hearts of all those who looked to India as the one beacon light in the Third World. India has shown that democracy was not impossible in the Third World and that development and constitutional rule can take place side by side. The personal political history of Mrs Gandhi could always be held as an example that could be followed by other Third World politicians.

The fact that while in power, she made mistakes and was rejected at the polls by her people and had to go into opposition was possibly the greatest lesson. But of even greater significance is the fact that from opposition, she fought her way back into power through constitutional means.

Nobody can say that Mrs Gandhi did not have her faults, but she had never claimed to be anything but human and tackled her duties as Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy with an enthusiasm and commitment unrival- led anywhere in the world.

The enhancement of her personal stature in the world has been matched by the even more rapid upliftment of India and its people. There is no ques- tion but that she has left India in a much better state than she met it and the greatest tribute to her would be for India to emerge from this outrage with the dignity and courage that signified the life and stewardship of Mrs Indira Gandhi.