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Early Years & Political Entry
Leadership Skill: Breaking Barriers Young Leadership 1952 – Born in Ambala, Haryana.
1973 – Became an advocate in the Supreme Court of India, stepping into a male-dominated profession.
1977 – At just 25, became India’s youngest Cabinet Minister in Haryana, showing early leadership potential.
1987 – Became Haryana’s Education Minister, initiating policies for women’s education and literacy. -
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National Prominence & Ministerial Roles
1990 – Elected as Rajya Sabha MP, marking her entry into national politics.
1996 – Served as Union Minister for Information Broadcasting in the Vajpayee government.
1998 – Became the first female Chief Minister of Delhi, a short tenure but a historic moment.
2000–2003 – Served as Minister for Health, Parliamentary Affairs, and Information Broadcasting, introducing health reforms and promoting Indian culture globally. -
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Leadership in Opposition & Political Strategy
Leadership Skill: Political Strategy Assertive Leadership 2004 – BJP lost power, and she took on the role of a senior party leader.
2009 – Became the first female Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, a position demanding strong debate and leadership.
2012–2013 – Played a key role in policy debates against the ruling Congress government, advocating for governance reforms. -
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Foreign Affairs & Global Diplomacy
Leadership Skill: Crisis Management People-Centric Diplomacy 2014 – Became India’s first full-time female External Affairs Minister, breaking another glass ceiling.
2015–2018 – Led diplomatic crises:
Operation Rahat (Yemen evacuation) – Rescued over 4,500 Indians and 960 foreigners from war zones.
Used Twitter for diplomacy, solving visa issues and emergency situations globally.
2019 – Stepped away from active politics due to health concerns. -
Legacy & Posthumous Recognition
August 6, 2019 – Passed away due to a cardiac arrest, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Indian politics.
2020 – Posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, recognizing her exceptional contribution to public service.
Recognition Honors:
Several institutions, government buildings, and welfare programs were named in her honor, such as the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.