Remembering India’s First Female PM: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Indira Gandhi On Her 108th Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her 108th birth anniversary. Born in 1917, Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in India’s political history and became the country’s first female Prime Minister.
PM Modi shared his homage on social media platform X, stating:
“Tributes to former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her birth anniversary.”
Early Life and Education
Indira Gandhi was born into a distinguished political family as the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. She received her early education at prestigious institutions, including Ecole Nouvelle in Bex, Switzerland, Ecole Internationale in Geneva, Pupils’ Own School in Poona and Bombay, Badminton School in Bristol, and Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. Later, she attended Somerville College, Oxford.
She was also honoured with several honorary doctoral degrees and awards, including a Citation of Distinction from Columbia University, recognising her contributions to India and global leadership.
Early Involvement in the Freedom Movement
Indira Gandhi joined the freedom struggle at a young age. She founded the Bal Charkha Sangh as a child and later established the Vanar Sena in 1930 to support the Congress Party during the Non-Cooperation Movement. In September 1942, she was imprisoned for her role in the Quit India Movement.
Following independence in 1947, she actively worked in riot-affected areas of Delhi under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance, providing relief and support to victims of communal violence.
Political and Personal Milestones
On 26 March 1942, she married Feroze Gandhi, with whom she had two sons. Indira Gandhi steadily rose through the Congress Party ranks, serving on the Congress Working Committee and the Central Election Committee in 1955. She joined the Central Parliamentary Board in 1958 and held several leadership roles, including Chairperson of the National Integration Council, President of the All India Youth Congress, and head of the Women’s Department of the AICC.
She became President of the Indian National Congress in 1959 and again in January 1978.
Prime Ministerial Career
Indira Gandhi served as Minister for Information and Broadcasting from 1964 to 1966 before becoming Prime Minister of India in January 1966. She held office until March 1977 and was re-elected from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.
During her tenure, she also held key portfolios, including Minister for Atomic Energy (1967–1977), Minister of External Affairs (1967–1969), Minister of Home Affairs (1970–1973), and Minister for Space (1972–1977). In January 1980, she became Chairperson of the Planning Commission.
Parliamentary Journey
Indira Gandhi was a Member of the Rajya Sabha from 1964 to 1967 and was later elected to the Lok Sabha in the fourth, fifth, and sixth general elections. In 1980, she won from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, and Medak, Andhra Pradesh, ultimately choosing to retain the Medak seat. She also led the Congress Parliamentary Party from 1967 to 1977 and again from 1980.
Achievements and International Honours
Indira Gandhi received numerous national and international accolades, including the Bharat Ratna in 1972, the Mexican Academy Award for the Liberation of Bangladesh, the FAO’s Second Annual Medal, and the Sahitya Vachaspati Award. Internationally, she was awarded the Mothers’ Award in the United States, Isabella d’Este Award in Italy for diplomacy, and Yale University’s Howland Memorial Prize.
Indira Gandhi’s legacy as India’s first female Prime Minister, her remarkable achievements, and her dedication to public service continue to inspire generations. On her 108th birth anniversary, PM Modi’s tribute highlights the enduring impact of her leadership on India and the world.
PM Modi shared his homage on social media platform X, stating:
“Tributes to former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her birth anniversary.”
Early Life and Education
Indira Gandhi was born into a distinguished political family as the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. She received her early education at prestigious institutions, including Ecole Nouvelle in Bex, Switzerland, Ecole Internationale in Geneva, Pupils’ Own School in Poona and Bombay, Badminton School in Bristol, and Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. Later, she attended Somerville College, Oxford.
She was also honoured with several honorary doctoral degrees and awards, including a Citation of Distinction from Columbia University, recognising her contributions to India and global leadership.
Early Involvement in the Freedom Movement
Indira Gandhi joined the freedom struggle at a young age. She founded the Bal Charkha Sangh as a child and later established the Vanar Sena in 1930 to support the Congress Party during the Non-Cooperation Movement. In September 1942, she was imprisoned for her role in the Quit India Movement.
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Following independence in 1947, she actively worked in riot-affected areas of Delhi under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance, providing relief and support to victims of communal violence.
Political and Personal Milestones
On 26 March 1942, she married Feroze Gandhi, with whom she had two sons. Indira Gandhi steadily rose through the Congress Party ranks, serving on the Congress Working Committee and the Central Election Committee in 1955. She joined the Central Parliamentary Board in 1958 and held several leadership roles, including Chairperson of the National Integration Council, President of the All India Youth Congress, and head of the Women’s Department of the AICC.
She became President of the Indian National Congress in 1959 and again in January 1978.
Prime Ministerial Career
Indira Gandhi served as Minister for Information and Broadcasting from 1964 to 1966 before becoming Prime Minister of India in January 1966. She held office until March 1977 and was re-elected from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.
During her tenure, she also held key portfolios, including Minister for Atomic Energy (1967–1977), Minister of External Affairs (1967–1969), Minister of Home Affairs (1970–1973), and Minister for Space (1972–1977). In January 1980, she became Chairperson of the Planning Commission.
Parliamentary Journey
Indira Gandhi was a Member of the Rajya Sabha from 1964 to 1967 and was later elected to the Lok Sabha in the fourth, fifth, and sixth general elections. In 1980, she won from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, and Medak, Andhra Pradesh, ultimately choosing to retain the Medak seat. She also led the Congress Parliamentary Party from 1967 to 1977 and again from 1980.
Achievements and International Honours
Indira Gandhi received numerous national and international accolades, including the Bharat Ratna in 1972, the Mexican Academy Award for the Liberation of Bangladesh, the FAO’s Second Annual Medal, and the Sahitya Vachaspati Award. Internationally, she was awarded the Mothers’ Award in the United States, Isabella d’Este Award in Italy for diplomacy, and Yale University’s Howland Memorial Prize.
Indira Gandhi’s legacy as India’s first female Prime Minister, her remarkable achievements, and her dedication to public service continue to inspire generations. On her 108th birth anniversary, PM Modi’s tribute highlights the enduring impact of her leadership on India and the world.
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