Indira Gandhi-Brief Life Sketch. This article provides a concise overview of key facts about Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India. It covers her early life, political career, significant achievements like the Green Revolution and the creation of Bangladesh, her controversial decisions such as the Emergency period, and her tragic assassination in 1984. The article also highlights her lasting legacy and the impact she had on Indian and global politics.
Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi-Brief Life Sketch
Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) was a politician and the first woman Prime Minister of independent India. He was born on 19 November 1917 in Allahabad. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. His mother’s name was Kamala Nehru. After completing his primary education in Pune, Mumbai, he passed the entrance examination in 1934. He then went on to study in Switzerland and Oxford, respectively, although he completed his formal education without a degree. He also studied music and dance under the tutelage of Rabindranath Tagore. She was married to Feroze Gandhi in 1942 and had two sons, Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjoy Gandhi.
Growing up in a political environment from an early age, Indira formally joined the Congress party in 1938 at the age of 21 and entered political life. Earlier, at the age of 12, she joined Gandhiji’s ‘Charkha Sangha ‘and at the age of 14, she actively participated in the non-cooperation movement of India. For her involvement in the freedom movement in India, she was imprisoned for about 13 months.
During the tenure of Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister, the political arena of India became significant from many angles. During her rule, independent Bangladesh was formed in 1971. In addition, 14 Soviet peace-friendship and cooperation agreements, and the introduction and adoption of the Monarchy Abolition Bill were carried out during his tenure.
Indira Gandhi, a skilled statesman who adhered to Nehru-Shastri principles in political life, received many awards and honours in recognition of her achievements. These include the ‘Mother’s Award’ and the ‘Bharat Ratna’. She was shot dead by his bodyguard on October 31, 1984.
Indira Gandhi-Comprehensive Biography
Indira Gandhi was an iconic figure in Indian politics. She served as the Prime Minister of India for three terms from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India.
Early Life and Education
Indira Priyadarshini Nehru was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, British India. She was born into the politically active Nehru family, with her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, being a key figure in the Indian independence movement and later the first Prime Minister of India. Her mother, Kamala Nehru, was also involved in the struggle for independence.
Indira was educated in India and later at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. However, her studies were interrupted by the ongoing struggle for India’s independence, and she returned to India in 1941. She married Feroze Gandhi, a Parsi journalist and fellow freedom fighter, in 1942. The couple had two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi.
Political Career
Indira Gandhi’s political career began in earnest after the death of her father in 1964. She was appointed as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the government of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Following Shastri’s sudden death in 1966, Indira Gandhi was elected as the leader of the Indian National Congress and subsequently became the Prime Minister of India.
First Term as Prime Minister (1966-1977)
During her first term, Indira Gandhi faced several significant challenges, including the devaluation of the Indian rupee and the rise of regional and linguistic tensions. Her most notable achievement during this period was the Green Revolution, which transformed India from a food-deficient country to a self-sufficient nation in terms of food production.
In 1971, Indira Gandhi led India to a decisive victory in the Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. This victory significantly boosted her popularity, and she won a massive mandate in the subsequent general elections.
However, her tenure was also marked by controversy, especially due to her declaration of a state of emergency in 1975. During the Emergency, civil liberties were suspended, and political opponents were arrested, leading to widespread criticism both in India and internationally. The Emergency period ended in 1977, and in the subsequent general elections, Indira Gandhi’s Congress party suffered a significant defeat.
Second Term as Prime Minister (1980-1984)
Indira Gandhi returned to power in 1980 after a brief period of political instability in India. Her second term was marked by growing unrest in various parts of the country, particularly in Punjab, where demands for an independent Sikh state led to violent clashes.
In 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star, a military operation aimed at removing armed militants who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs. The operation led to significant casualties and widespread anger among the Sikh community.
Assassination and Legacy
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. Her assassination led to a massive anti-Sikh riot across India, particularly in the national capital, New Delhi.
Indira Gandhi’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. She is remembered as a decisive leader who played a crucial role in shaping modern India. Her tenure saw significant achievements in terms of economic development and foreign policy, but it was also marred by authoritarian tendencies and significant controversies, particularly during the Emergency.
Indira Gandhi’s political lineage continued with her son Rajiv Gandhi, who became Prime Minister after her death, and her descendants who remain influential in Indian politics.
Indira Gandhi-FActs
Here are some key facts about Indira Gandhi:
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Indira Priyadarshini Nehru Gandhi.
- Birth Date: November 19, 1917.
- Birthplace: Allahabad, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India).
- Parents: Jawaharlal Nehru (first Prime Minister of India) and Kamala Nehru.
- Education: She attended schools in India and later studied at Somerville College, Oxford University in the UK.
- Marriage: Married Feroze Gandhi in 1942. They had two sons, Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.
Political Career
First Female Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India.
- Terms in Office: She served as Prime Minister for three terms—first from 1966 to 1977, and then from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.
- Green Revolution: She was instrumental in launching the Green Revolution in India, which helped transform India into a food-surplus country.
- Emergency Period: On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in India, suspending civil liberties and censoring the press. This period lasted until 1977.
- Creation of Bangladesh: Under her leadership, India supported the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
- Operation Blue Star: In 1984, she ordered Operation Blue Star, a military operation to remove militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which led to significant controversy and unrest.
Personal and Legacy
- Assassination: Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star.
- Anti-Sikh Riots: Her assassination triggered widespread anti-Sikh riots across India.
- Political Family: She was Jawaharlal Nehru’s daughter and Rajiv Gandhi’s mother, both of whom served as Prime Ministers of India. Her political dynasty continues with her grandchildren.
- International Recognition: In 1972, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
- Time Magazine: She was named “Woman of the Millennium” by a BBC poll in 1999 and was also featured on the cover of Time magazine multiple times during her career.
Personal Traits
- Nicknames: She was often referred to as the “Iron Lady of India” for her strong will and determination.
- Languages: She was fluent in several languages, including Hindi, English, and Bengali.
- Cultural Impact: Indira Gandhi remains a highly influential figure in Indian history, with her leadership style and policies continuing to be studied and debated. 0 0 0
N.B. Â The article ‘Indira Gandhi-Brief Life Sketch’ originally belongs to the book ‘Introduction to World Personalities‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Indira Gandhi
Books of Composition by M. Menonimus:
- Advertisement Writing
- Amplification Writing
- Note Making
- Paragraph Writing
- Notice Writing
- Passage Comprehension
- The Art of Poster Writing
- The Art of Letter Writing
- Report Writing
- Story Writing
- Substance Writing
- School Essays Part-I
- School Essays Part-II
- School English Grammar Part-I
- School English Grammar Part-II..
Books of S. Story by M. Menonimus:
Books of Biography by M. Menonimus:
- The World Writers-Brief Biographies
- Introduction to World Writers
- Introduction to World Personalities
- Love of Reputed Persons ..
Related Search:
