Epoch 1991: The nation of the patient, the world's largest democracy was stunned in silence to what it never imagined in its wildest dreams would happen. It was the death of a thought, loss of youth and demise of hope that young India was expecting in its future. It was the assasination of one of India's most beloved leaders - Rajiv Gandhi. Yet, what was seeded in that bereavement was the birth of determination.
Circa 1991-98: The country's strongest and largest political party was suddenly without a head, the country without a leader, and the government trying to maintain its footing. The common questions doing the rounds were "what next" and "who next". A lot of contenders came to the fore and somewhere the name that was subtly breezing around was that of someone the post independence India was not expecting. India has already had a past with the white skin and most Indians were just not ready to the idea of yet another one taking control over the nation's proceedings.
Political vendetta gave rise to a nation wide uproar of only an Indian leading the country. Questions were raised. How can someone who was not even born here, couldnt speak the country's national language and didnt have a clue about running a nation, lead this "democratic" country of a billion plus? Dont we have the capability in our blood and skin to find "the one"? Can a country that gave birth to the Mahatma not find someone to lead it? Political parties were up in arms, heated arguments started, abuses were hurled, and the personality in question was made the laughing stock. A nation that boasts of its education and upbringing had started mimicking this personality, albeit to make fun. The common agenda across the Indian polity was precisely how a foreigner cannot contest for elections in India. Surprisingly, the same country had forgotten to think and contest on the lines of development, power to youth, and literacy that once upon a time, its slain leader was emphasizing.
In the midst of these questions and heated debates and while the world was watching in amazement about the time utilization by our leaders, a silhouette was making sure that 10 years down the line, India changes its perception about someone they were calling with an alias - "Italian". Today the same Italian by virtue of her determination can speak India's national language, is as much an Indian as other Indians, is known for her tough and good decision-making in Indian politics, is the most powerful woman in India and is numbered amongst the most powerful women in the world.
Epoch 2004: She did not take India's most powerful post whilst she could have; and ensured it went to someone more qualified and someone who she believed could do India much better.
Epoch 2009: Under her leadership, India's largest political party saw a historic win in the current elections.
Ultimately, winning or losing depends on proving your mettle and by doing so, Sonia Gandhi showed what metal she is made up of.
Jaydeep Deshpande
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