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Life and Education (1917-1947)
[1950–2000] Full Name: Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi. Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, British India (now Prayagraj, India) , into the prominent Nehru family. Her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was India's first Prime Minister, and her mother, Kamala Nehru, was a freedom fighter.Growing up in a politically active environment, she developed an early interest in national affairs.She was educated at Shantiniketan in India and later at Oxford University in England. -
Entry into Politics (1947–1966)
After India gained independence in 1947, Indira Gandhi worked closely with her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the country's first Prime Minister.
In 1959, she became the President of the Congress Party.After Nehru's death in 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri became Prime Minister, and she was appointed Minister of Information and Broadcasting in his cabinet.Following Shastri's sudden death in 1966, Indira Gandhi was elected as India’s first female Prime Minister. -
Prime Ministerial Terms (1966–1977, 1980–1984)
First Term (1966–1977)
Indira Gandhi took charge during a difficult period when India faced economic challenges, food shortages, and external threats. Her key policies included: Green Revolution: Led to increased food production and made India self-sufficient in grains.Nationalization of Banks (1969): Strengthened financial control and improved rural credit access. 1971 Indo-Pak War Bangladesh Liberation: India supported the Bangladesh Liberation War against Pakistan. -
The Emergency Period (1975–1977)
Indira Gandhi declared a National Emergency (1975–1977), suspending civil liberties and censoring the press. Opposition leaders were arrested, and forced sterilization campaigns were carried out as part of population control efforts. This led to widespread criticism, and in 1977, she lost the general elections to the Janata Party.
Second Term (1980–1984)
After her defeat, she made a political comeback in 1980, winning the elections and becoming Prime Minister again. -
Legacy
Indira Gandhi remains one of India’s most powerful and controversial leaders. She was known for her strong leadership, bold economic decisions, and unwavering political will, but also faced criticism for authoritarian rule during the Emergency. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, later became Prime Minister (1984–1989) after her assassination. -
Assassination (1984)
Following Operation Blue Star, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, in New Delhi. Her death led to widespread anti-Sikh riots across India.