Introduction
The former US president, Jimmy Carter, passed away on Sunday, 29th December. He was the 39th president of the US and died at the age of 100. He was concerned about the welfare of the society and continued supporting the humanitarian efforts even after his presidency, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He was the longest-lived US president and died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, from where everything began.
Despite his deteriorating health, he was politically active and went to cast his vote for Kamala Harris. This shows his commitment to politics and his nation. Following his death, several politicians and leaders took to social media, sorrowing about his demise and remembering his everlasting contributions.
Source- The Hindu
Early life
He was born on 1st October, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a submarine officer. After his graduation he returned back to his home to take up his father’s occupation of peanut farmer, following his father’s cancer diagnosis. His journey from working as a peanut farmer to holding the highest office of the nation was not easy; it was full of vicissitudes and circumstances. His humble and authentic story of his struggle resonated with the people and helped him to reach the zenith of his career.
Source- The Irish Sun
Political Career
He started his political career as a state senator in 1962 and later served as Georgia’s governor in 1971 and 1975. He launched his presidential campaign at the time of the Watergate scandal, promising an honest and truthful government, which resonated with American people who were seeking honest leadership.
Carter served as a one-term US president from 1977 to 1981. His presidency was marked by considerable achievements amid the inherited challenges. He successfully established peace between Egypt and Israel, bringing peace to the Middle East, and negotiated the return of the Panama Canal to Panama. However, the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, during which 52 Americans were kept as hostages for 444 days, significantly deteriorated his credibility and marked the end of his term. In addition, the host of inherited challenges, such as inflation and unemployment, peaked during his tenure. He lost his reelection to Ronald Reagan.
After his defeat, instead of retreating, he continued his work through philanthropy. He founded the Carter Center in 1982, which contributed to his charitable endeavors of public health, fighting for human rights, eradicating diseases, and maintaining peace.
Relations with India
Carter visited India in 1978 to meet Moraji Desai to improve US-India relations. He was the first US president to have visited India after the emergency. He repudiated the authoritarian rule and underscored that India stands as a burgeoning paradigm, demonstrating that the economic development need not be contingent upon an authoritarian rule. During his visit to India, he explored a small village in Haryana. During the 1960s, Carter’s mother, Lillian Gordy, acted as a social worker in that village, creating a profound affinity between the two. This village was later renamed as Carterpuri in order to symbolize the deepening ties between the two nations.
Following the death of Jimmy Carter, Carterpuri village offered a floral tribute to his portrait, remembering his lasting legacy and leadership.
Carter’s contribution and presidency were criticized and rarely acknowledged during his tenure. However, over time historical assessments have become much more favorable, recognizing his initiatives in maintaining peace and setting the standards of American foreign policy.
The demise of Jimmy Carter left a void and was mourned across the world. His presidency, though ridiculed, left an indelible imprint on history that will serve as a lasting testament to leadership grounded in unwavering principles.
