Biography of Smt Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi, full name Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, was an Indian stateswoman and central figure of the Indian National Congress party. She was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India), and was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Here is a detailed biography of Smt. Indira Gandhi:
Early Life and Education - Marriage and Family - Political Career - Prime Ministerial Terms - Assassination and Legacy of Smt Indira Gandhi
Biography of Smt Indira Gandhi

Early Life and Education:

Indira Gandhi was born into a politically influential family. Her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of India after independence. Indira studied at Somerville College, Oxford, and later at the University of Oxford, where she studied history, economics, and political science.

Marriage and Family of Indira Gandhi:

In 1942, Indira married Feroze Gandhi, a Parsi lawyer and fellow member of the Indian National Congress. They had two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi. Her husband, Feroze Gandhi, passed away in 1960.

Political Career:

Indira Gandhi’s political career began when she became an active member of the Indian National Congress during the freedom struggle. After independence, she served in various capacities in her father’s government. She held the position of the Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 1964 to 1966.
After the sudden death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, Indira Gandhi was appointed as the Prime Minister of India, becoming the country’s first woman to hold this position.

Indira Gandhi’s Prime Ministerial Terms:

Indira Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and then again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. During her first term, she implemented several key policies, including nationalization of banks and abolition of princely privileges. However, her government faced challenges, leading to the imposition of a state of emergency in 1975, a controversial period in Indian politics.
In 1980, after being out of power for a few years, Indira Gandhi was re-elected as Prime Minister. During her second term, she focused on economic reforms, modernization, and social programs.

Speech of Smt Indira Gandhi :

“I am here today. May not be here tomorrow. I am not worried whether I will live or not. I have had a long life and I am proud that I have spent my whole life in service to my people. I will spend my last breath. I will continue to do this and when I die, every step of my blood will be used to strengthen India. People were left speechless by this speech. The people of his own party could not understand that Indiraji had finally Why did the words speak. Indira Gandhi is one of the few strong leaders of India who has never avoided taking tough decisions. Whether it is the decision to impose the emergency or the order of Operation Blue Star. She has stated that He is not among those kneeling. He was shot dead on October 31, 1984 by his two bodyguards at his residence.
The day of 31 October 1984 was a very unfortunate day. On this day, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was shot by the hands of her own bodyguards. He shed every bit of blood for the country. The sacrifice he gave will always be immortal. Indira Gandhi was a woman who not only dominated Indian politics but also left a unique impression on the horizon of world politics. She is also referred to as the Iron Woman. Indira Gandhi’s name will always be remembered in the history of ‘world politics’ for her talent and political fortitude.

Assassination and Legacy:

Tragically, Indira Gandhi’s life was cut short when she was assassinated by her bodyguards on October 31, 1984, in New Delhi, in retaliation for Operation Blue Star, a military operation ordered by her to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Her death led to widespread anti-Sikh riots in various parts of India.
Indira Gandhi’s legacy is a complex one. She is remembered as a strong leader who shaped modern India, but her rule was marked by controversy, including the imposition of the state of emergency. Despite these challenges, she remains a significant figure in Indian politics, known for her determination and political acumen. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, succeeded her as Prime Minister after her death, and her family continues to play a prominent role in Indian politics.