One of the most remarkable women leaders in world history… one of the most powerful leaders India has seen… the first woman prime minister of India – Thus, Indira Gandhi holds a heroic place in the history of India. Indira Priyadarshini was born during a significant period of Indian independence struggle. She was born on 19 November 1917 to Jawaharlal Nehru, who was at the forefront of the struggle and Kamala Nehru. Being from a family that was constantly involved in the freedom struggle, Indira did not experience much closeness from her Jawaharlal Nehru or her grandfather Motilal Nehru. It can be said that she grew up alone with her mother Kamala Nehru, who was suffering from many illnesses. It was her grandfather Motilal Nehru’s wish that his grand daughter should get the best education available in India. So, Indira was sent to a British-run school St. Cecilia for her primary education. However, there was a rule that the children of the Congress members should not study in schools run by the British Raj due to which Indira was unable to continue her education.

Indira Priyadarshini- the great daughter of a great father. If Nehru was one of the chief architects of modern India, it was Indira Gandhi who made India capable enough to stand tall among the world nations. Indira Gandhi led India in the most tumultuous and complicated era that the nation was stuck in, a! er the death of Nehru, whom we lovingly call “Chachaji.” On one hand, she had to continue the war that Nehru had started against socio-economic issues like poverty, famines, infl ation, and unemployment. On the other, she had to deal with internal clashes and the a! ermaths of the wars of 1965 and 1971. Plans like “Garibi Hatao” for eradicating poverty, bankgeneral insurance nationalization, ruling out ‘privy purse,’ the green and white revolutions, and various other measures to strengthen the public sector, were all symbols of the intelligent leadership that she had showcased. It is her able management that transformed India from the position of borrowing grains from the USA for its children’s mid-day meals to a large-scale exporter of food grains and products.