PM Modi Marks Indira Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary With Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 108th birth anniversary.

Taking to his social media platform X, he wrote, “Tributes to former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her birth anniversary.”

Born on 19 November 1917, Indira Gandhi belonged to one of India’s most distinguished political families.

As the daughter of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, she grew up in an environment deeply connected with the nation’s political journey.

Her early education took place at several notable institutions, including Ecole Nouvelle in Bex, Ecole Internationale in Geneva, Pupils’ Own School in Poona and Bombay, Badminton School in Bristol, and Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan.

She later studied at Somerville College, Oxford. Over the years, she received multiple honorary doctorates as well as a Citation of Distinction from Columbia University.

Involvement in the Freedom Movement

Indira Gandhi’s engagement with the freedom struggle began early. As a young girl, she founded the Bal Charkha Sangh, followed by the Vanar Sena in 1930, to support Congress activities.

She participated actively in the Quit India Movement and was imprisoned in 1942. After Independence, she worked under Mahatma Gandhi’s direction in riot-affected areas of Delhi, offering relief to victims of communal violence.

Indira Gandhi married Feroze Gandhi in 1942 and went on to raise two sons while simultaneously increasing her involvement in political work.

Her rise within the Congress Party was steady: she joined the Congress Working Committee and Central Election Committee in 1955, followed by the Central Parliamentary Board in 1958.

She held leadership roles such as Chairperson of the National Integration Council, President of the All India Youth Congress, and head of the AICC Women’s Department.

She served as President of the Indian National Congress from 1959 to 1960 and later from 1978.

Her ministerial career began in 1964 when she became Minister for Information and Broadcasting.

In January 1966, she became India’s first woman Prime Minister. Her tenure lasted until 1977, and she returned to office from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

She simultaneously held key portfolios, including Atomic Energy, External Affairs, Home Affairs, and Space. She became Chairperson of the Planning Commission in 1980.

Indira Gandhi served in both Houses of Parliament, beginning with the Rajya Sabha in 1964 and later elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times.

She won from Rae Bareli and Medak in 1980, eventually retaining Medak.

Her contributions earned her honours such as the Bharat Ratna, the FAO Medal, the Mexican Academy Award, Italy’s Isabella d’Este Award, and Yale University’s Howland Prize.

Also Read: PM Modi To Visit Puttaparthi & Coimbatore For Spiritual & Agricultural Programmes