indira gandhi for 31 October 2025

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, India’s first and only female Prime Minister, remains one of the most iconic and controversial figures in Indian political history. As the second-longest-serving Prime Minister (1966-1977 and 1980-1984), her leadership shaped India’s destiny in the post-independence era. From economic reforms and foreign policy decisions to her powerful political strategies, Indira Gandhi’s legacy continues to influence India’s governance, economy, and global standing even today. Her tenure was marked by bold decisions, both admired and criticized, but undeniably transformative. India’s growth in sectors like banking, agriculture, and industry reflects her deep imprint. This article provides a detailed overview of her life, political journey, and contributions that changed the course of India’s development.

Indira Gandhi Early Life and Background

Born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, Indira Gandhi was the only daughter of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and Kamala Nehru. Growing up in an atmosphere filled with political discussions, nationalist ideals, and the fervor of freedom struggle, Indira’s early life was deeply influenced by her father’s vision and Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.

She studied in India and abroad, including at Visva-Bharati University (Santiniketan) and Oxford University, and later received an honorary doctorate and global recognition, including the Columbia University Citation of Distinction.

On March 26, 1942, she married Feroze Gandhi, a journalist and fellow Congress worker. The couple had two sons, Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi, both of whom later entered politics.

Indira Gandhi Early Political Career

Indira Gandhi’s political journey began long before she became Prime Minister. She actively participated in India’s freedom movement, even forming youth organizations like Bal Charkha Sangh and Vanar Sena in 1930 to mobilize children in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Post-independence, she began to take on significant roles in the Indian National Congress. By 1955, she was a member of the Congress Working Committee, and by 1959, she rose to become the President of the Indian National Congress. Her growing political stature and strong willpower caught the attention of national leaders.

From 1964 to 1966, Indira Gandhi served as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, where she proved her administrative capability and communication skills, handling both the media and cultural policies effectively.

Indira Gandhi First Term as Prime Minister (1966-1977)

After the sudden death of Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, Indira Gandhi was chosen as India’s Prime Minister. Her early years were filled with challenges, economic instability, food shortages, and global political tensions. However, her determination to build a self-reliant India guided her decisions.

In 1969, internal conflicts within the Congress led to her expulsion, prompting her to form a new faction  Congress (R), later known as Congress (I). Her political gamble paid off when she achieved a landslide victory in the 1971 General Elections, winning massive public support with her campaign slogan, “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty).

Indira Gandhi Bangladesh Liberation and Rise in Popularity

One of Indira Gandhi’s greatest diplomatic and military achievements came in 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. India’s intervention against Pakistan led to the creation of Bangladesh, showcasing her as a decisive leader with immense international stature.

This victory elevated India’s position in South Asia and strengthened Indira’s image as a global stateswoman. Her popularity soared as she won massive victories in subsequent state elections in 1972, and she became a symbol of national pride and power.

Indira Gandhi The National Emergency (1975-1977)

However, her tenure also witnessed one of the most controversial chapters in Indian democracy. On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi declared a National Emergency, citing “internal disturbances.” During the 21 months of Emergency, civil liberties were suspended, the press was censored, and political opponents were jailed.

While the move was justified by her as necessary for stability and national discipline, it drew immense criticism for authoritarianism. The Emergency period remains one of the most debated times in Indian politics, a blend of efficiency and excess.

In 1977, after lifting the Emergency, she faced the public’s verdict in elections. Her party suffered a major defeat, and she lost power.

Indira Gandhi Political Comeback and Second Term (1980-1984)

Despite her fall, Indira Gandhi’s resilience stood out. In 1978, she and her supporters formed Congress (I), with the “I” symbolizing “Indira.” By 1980, she made a remarkable comeback, winning the general elections and returning as Prime Minister.

Her second term was marked by efforts to strengthen India’s industrial base, foster agricultural growth, and assert India’s independent foreign policy. She maintained close ties with the Soviet Union, balancing Cold War politics while safeguarding India’s strategic interests.

However, rising regional tensions, especially in Punjab, tested her leadership. The Operation Blue Star in 1984 aimed at removing militants from the Golden Temple sparked widespread outrage and unrest. Tragically, on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, marking the end of an era.

Indira Gandhi Major Contributions and Reforms

One of Indira Gandhi’s most defining decisions was the nationalisation of 14 major commercial banks on July 19, 1969. This move brought banking access to the rural and underprivileged sections of society.

It aligned with her vision of a socialist economy, ensuring that credit facilities reached farmers, small businesses, and marginalized communities. The step strengthened India’s financial inclusion and reduced dependence on private monopolies.

2. The Green Revolution

Indira Gandhi played a vital role in promoting the Green Revolution, which transformed India from a food-deficient nation into a self-sufficient one. Her support for scientific agriculture, improved irrigation, and use of high-yield seeds revolutionized India’s agricultural sector, ensuring food security for millions.

3. Abolition of Privy Purse (1971)

To promote equality and social justice, she abolished the Privy Purse — payments made to former princely rulers under Articles 291 and 362 of the Constitution. Through the 26th Amendment (1971), she ended these privileges, symbolizing India’s move toward egalitarian democracy.

4. Twenty Point Programme (1975)

During the Emergency, Indira Gandhi launched the Twenty Point Programme, a comprehensive plan to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote rural development. The scheme focused on housing, education, healthcare, irrigation, and environmental protection.

It later underwent revisions in 1982, 1986, and 2006, remaining one of India’s longest-running socio-economic programs aligned with the UN Millennium Development Goals.

5. Garibi Hatao (Remove Poverty)

Her “Garibi Hatao” slogan became the heart of her political identity. It not only resonated with millions of Indians but also guided welfare schemes aimed at uplifting the poor. The campaign later shaped the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1979), focusing on employment, rural upliftment, and income redistribution.

6. Strengthening India’s Global Presence

Indira Gandhi’s foreign policy was marked by independence and strength. She championed the Non-Aligned Movement, supported anti-colonial struggles, and maintained India’s dignity on the world stage. Her leadership during the 1971 war, her relationship with the Soviet Union, and her efforts to keep India self-reliant made her one of the most respected world leaders.

Indira Gandhi Awards and Recognition

Indira Gandhi’s leadership was globally acknowledged. Her awards include:

• Bharat Ratna (1972) – India’s highest civilian honor.
• Mexican Academy Award for the Liberation of Bangladesh (1972)
• Second Annual Medal of FAO (1973)
• Sahitya Vachaspati by Nagari Pracharini Sabha (1976)
• Mother’s Award (USA) (1953)
• Isabella d’Este Award (Italy) for outstanding diplomatic work
• Yale University’s Howland Memorial Prize
• Diploma of Honour from the Argentine Society for Animal Protection (1971)

Indira Gandhi Publications and Writings

Indira Gandhi was also an articulate writer and thinker. Her key publications include:

• The Years of Challenge (1966-1969)
• The Years of Endeavour (1969-1972)
• India (London, 1975)
• Inde (Lausanne, 1979)*
  

Through these writings, she articulated her vision for India’s unity, progress, and role in the global order.

Indira Gandhi Legacy

Indira Gandhi’s life was a journey of courage, conviction, and complexity. She combined firmness with foresight, authority with empathy, and nationalism with globalism. While her policies often invited criticism, her impact on India’s political and economic landscape remains indelible.

She transformed India’s financial system through bank nationalization, strengthened food security via the Green Revolution, and redefined social justice by abolishing feudal privileges. Her vision of a self-reliant India still inspires policymakers and citizens alike.

Despite the controversies surrounding her tenure particularly the Emergency Indira Gandhi’s contributions shaped modern India’s political and developmental framework. She was not just India’s first female Prime Minister but also one of its strongest leaders, remembered for her determination, resilience, and unyielding belief in India’s potential.