Free essay on Indira Gandhi
Uploaded by msnarayana on Oct 14, 2012
Indira Gandhi played a major role in defining the destiny of India. She was one of strongest women leaders of last century. Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister of India, and daughter of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Born on November 19, 1917 in Allahabad, she was also known as Indira Nehru Gandhi. She was born in a family of freedom fighters. Her father Jawaharlal Nehru was the first prime ministers of India and we all know how important a role he played in the freedom movement of India. Her grandfather Motilal Nehru was a legend in his own rights. Her childhood was greatly influenced by political movements taking place in his household. Indira Gandhi completed her study at a series of Indian schools and at non-British schools in Europe. Her education experience involved, Pune University, Shantiniketan formed by Rabindranath Tagore and prestigious Oxford University. She also had a number of private tutorials. Indira Gandhi was very close to his father. The bond between them further strengthened during the time Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru spent in prison. He exchanged letters with his daughter that made her aware of the current political condition of the country. The letters also helped her in developing perspective and vision about her country. Indira Gandhi actively participated in Quit India Movement in 1942 for which she was imprisoned. Indira Gandhi was the third Prime Minister of independent India. She also became the first woman Prime Minister of the country. She was a lady with strong will power and tremendous self-belief. She ruled India for 16 years and her tenure at the top ensured India never lacked in courage and developmental policies. Indira Gandhi showed her true mettle during the Indo-Pak war in 1971. She was truly an Iron lady. Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984. Indira Gandhi returned to India in 1941. Because of her strong family lineage, she was also expected to join politics and make a name for herself like her father and grandfather did. Her exposure to politics since childhood made a big difference in the way she perceived and learned the nitty-gritty of politics. Indira Gandhi was hugely influenced by life and works of Mahatma Gandhi who was a frequent visitor to her house. She married to Feroz Gandhi and gave birth to two sons named, Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.