Early Life and Education

Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. She was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and Kamala Nehru. Her politically active family deeply influenced her from a young age.

She began her early education at Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal, then continued her studies in Switzerland and later at Oxford University in England. Her upbringing and global education helped shape her into a confident and determined individual.

Entry into Politics

Indira Gandhi entered politics in the 1950s by working closely with her father. In 1959, she became President of the Indian National Congress, officially stepping into national politics.

After Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died in 1966, party leaders chose her to become India’s Prime Minister. She became the first woman to hold this position in the country.

Leadership as Prime Minister

Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She took bold decisions and oversaw major developments during her tenure.

Indira led India to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. She also nationalized major banks and promoted the Green Revolution, significantly boosting agricultural productivity in India.

The Emergency Period (1975–1977)

In 1975, after the court invalidated her election, Indira Gandhi declared a national Emergency, claiming it was necessary to maintain stability.

During this period, her government suspended civil rights, jailed opposition leaders, and restricted press freedom. It also implemented controversial programs such as forced sterilizations.

The Emergency provoked strong public opposition, and voters ousted her from power in the 1977 elections.

Return to Power and Challenges

She returned to power in 1980, but her second term faced rising unrest—especially in Punjab, where Sikh militants demanded autonomy.

In 1984, she ordered Operation Blue Star, sending the army into the Golden Temple to remove armed militants. This deeply offended many Sikhs and led to widespread resentment.

Assassination and Aftermath

On October 31, 1984, her Sikh bodyguards assassinated her in retaliation for Operation Blue Star. Her death triggered violent anti-Sikh riots across India, leading to the deaths of thousands.

Legacy

Indira Gandhi continues to be remembered as one of India’s most powerful and influential leaders. She showed exceptional courage and resolve but also made authoritarian decisions like imposing the Emergency.

Despite the controversies, she broke barriers for women in politics and stood as a symbol of decisive leadership during turbulent times.