Indira Gandhi

INDIRA GANDHI

Indira priyadarshini, the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru was born on Nov. 19, 1917. She witnessed various stages of our freedom struggle from close quarters. She took active part in our freedom struggle along with her father. She was educated in Shantiniketan. She followed the letters of her father closely. Those letters were published as ‘Glimpses of World History’. Those lofty thoughts moulded her personality. Young Indira participated in Non-cooperation movement. She exhibited a rare patriotic favour. She took part in the Quit India Movement. She visited various countries along with her father.

Courage of conviction characterised her personality. She was steadfast. She never compromised with her ideals. She understood national and international issues comprehensively. She acted with exemplary courage. She inspired all with her passionate commitment. She devoted herself to a number of public causes.

Indira Gandhi became our (India) prime minister in 1966. She nationalised banks in 1968. She aimed at creating a socialistic pattern of society. Economic equality is socialism. She aimed at abolishing poverty. She gave a call ‘Garibi Hatao’. She was for the poor and the down trodden. She braved a number of storms – social and political.

Indira Gandhi helped in the liberation of East Pakistan – now Bangladesh. She authored and implemented 20 point programme. She wanted the countryside to prosper. She clamped internal emergency. So she was voted out of power. As a result, in 1977 the Janata Government came to power. She toured the country restlessly. She inspired the masses. She came to power in 1980. She was firm with Punjab terrorists. She was shot by her own body guards on Oct. 31, 1984.

Indira Gandhi is an inspiring personality. Genius knows no gender. In courage she is another Joan who liberated France from the clutches of the British. Indira Gandhi was ever dynamic. Some of her decisions were controversial. But her courage and patriotism are unimpeachable.