Who Was India’s First Woman Prime Minister?

Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917 in Allahabad, India. He is a revolutionary politician and the first female prime minister of India. Indira Gandhi remains one of the most powerful figures in Indian political history because of her revolutionary policies, leadership skills and controversial moves. As the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, she carries a legacy of public life and politics.

Early life and politics rise

Indira Gandhi grew up in a politically volatile atmosphere in India’s battle for independence. She received her education at the University of Viswa-Bharat in India and the University of Oxford in England. In 1938, she became a member of the National Assembly of India (INC), which was the beginning of her political career. After India’s independence in 1947, when he served as prime minister, she was her father’s confidante and unofficial adviser.

Also Read | Who is the first female doctor in India?

After Nehru’s death in 1964, Indira Gandhi joined the active politics and was appointed Minister of Information and Broadcasting by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. With Shastri’s premature death in 1966, she was elected as Morarji Desai’s compromise prime minister candidate. Initially, she was regarded as a nominal mind by top congressional leaders, but soon proved to be a skilled politician and decisive leader.

Be the Prime Minister

Indira Gandhi served as prime minister from 1966 to 1977, and was then assassinated from 1980 to 1984. Her leadership talent is characterized by remarkable achievements and controversy:

  • Economic Reform and Social Planning: Gandhi advocates policies to combat poverty and inequality. Her election campaign slogan “Garibi Hatao” (Eliminating Poverty) struck the chord with millions. She nationalized the bank in 1969 to enhance financial inclusion and enact arbitrary reforms to benefit marginalized farmers.
  • In 1971, Bangladesh’s Liberation War: Her most important success was India’s defeat of Pakistan in the 1971 war, which gave birth to Bangladesh. It consolidated India as a regional power.
  • Nuclear Program: During her reign, India successfully tested its first nuclear device in Bokran in 1974 and established its position on the international stage.
  • Emergency (1975-1977): The most controversial period of her tenure was the implementation of a state of emergency in 1975 after the court ruled to abolish her election on the grounds of election ills. The period saw civil liberties, imprisonment of political rivals, and containment of press freedom. Although the action consolidated her authority in the short term, it undermined her image of democracy.
  • Restoring Power: Gandhi lost the 1977 election in 1980 to carry out widespread opposition in an emergency and underwent an incredible political revival in 1980.

Also Read | Who is the first female teacher in India?

Challenge and assassination

In the early 1980s, separatist movements continued to grow in Punjab and elsewhere. In response to Sikh armed forces, she ordered Operation Blue Star in 1984 at the Golden Temple of Amritsar. This further alienated the Sikhs and was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

heritage

The legacy of Indira Gandhi is both celebrated and debated. She is considered a strong-willed leader, modernizing India’s economy and strengthening its international status. But, in an emergency, her authoritarian tendencies remain the point of debate. Her leadership style earned her the title of “Iron Lady”, reflecting her resilience and determination.

Read Also | Who is the first female pilot in India?

Indira Gandhi’s life symbolizes the possibilities and challenges of leadership in a diverse democracy like India. As India’s first female prime minister, she broke the barriers and left an indelible mark on the history of the country.