- Born: November 19, 1917, Allahabad
- Assassinated: October 31, 1984, New Delhi
- Spouse: Feroze Gandhi (m. 1942–1960)
- Parents: Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamala Nehru
- Children: Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi
- Awards: Bharat Ratna, Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, Lenin Peace Prize
Gandhi was born November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, India, to Jawaharlal and Kamala Nehru. Her life was drastically changed in 1919 when her wealthy and prominent family was visited by Mohandas Gandhi, the pacifist leader of the Indian freedom movement. Recently returned from exile in South Africa, he converted her parents to the cause of Indian independence Constant meetings and the frequent absence of Gandhi's parents deprived her of a normal childhood. Though she was spoiled by her grandfather Motilal, Gandhi later recalled she felt "insecure." She was four years old when her father and grandfather were first jailed for their activities, then the jailings, which also included her mother, became frequent.
Shows independent spirit
Because of the insecurities of her childhood Gandhi hardened herself and resolved not to be hurt, as her mother had been, She grew up as a solemn, precocious child whose games were related to the fight against Britain. For example, at age 11 she organized the Monkey Brigade. Imitating the Monkey army in the epic Indian story Ramayana, While she was in school in Poona in the 1930s She once commented that Gandhi "was always present in my life; he played an enormous role in my development.
SYMBOL FOR WOMEN AND THE THIRD WORLD
India had been ruled by England for over a century prior to its independence in 1947. While the British hadbuilt many roads, schools, and hospitals, they had also acted as a superior colonial power. The Indians greatly resented British control. The organized struggle for freedom began early in this century and grew until after World War II, which ended in 1945, when the British finally realized they could no longer hold India. The ascension of a woman, Indira Gandhi, to the highest position in the world's most populous democracy was especially significant for Indian women, who had traditionally been subservient to men. In addition, she was also an inspiration to people in other Third World nations.
Her road to power and politics
Started when she turned twelve years of age.Time of British imperialism,Indian National Congress from Allahabadnot know when or if the British would search their homes. some asserted that the Monkey Brigade was the idea of the Congress. In any event, Indira became the leader of this children's group whose purpose was to help end British control in India.One of the most significant actions of the Monkey Brigade involved Indira. The Congress party's top officials were organizing a civil disobedience movement After meeting, the documents containing the plans of movement were placed in trunk of car with Indira in the back seat.a police inspector stopped the car to search it.However, Indira pleaded him not to inspect the car because the delay would cause her to arrive late at school. Fortunately, the inspector believed her and car was not searched.
In 1938, Indira finally joined the Indian National Congress Party,
something she always longed to do. Soon afterwards in 1942, she married journalist Feroze Gandhi to whom she eventually bore two sons. Soon after the couple was married, they were sent to prison on charges of subversion by the British. Her first and only imprisonment lasted from September 11, 1942until May 13, 1943 at the Naini Central Jail in Allahabad. Fortunately, India won its independence from Britain in 1947. In that same year, Indira's father Jawaharlal Nehru became prime minister. Since her mother had died in 1936, Later in 1959, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri appointed Indira Gandhi as minister of information and broadcasting. This position was the fourth highest ranking position in the Cabinet As minister, she most importantly encouraged the making of inexpensive radios and started a family planning program.
Indira joined Congress in 1938
She was imprisoned for 13 months in 1942 by the British. In that year she married Feroze Gandhi, a journalist; they had two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay. Indira, however, remained with her father, who became Prime Minister after independence, and acted as his hostess and close supporter from 1947 to 1964. Under Gandhi's instructions she worked in the riot-affected areas of Delhi in 1947. Associated with numerous organizations, she was Chairman of the Central Social Welfare Board (1953-7), member of the Working Committee and Central Election Committee from 1955 and the Central Parliamentary Board from 1956, and President of the All India Youth Congress from 1956 to 1960. On Nehru's death in 1964 she was elected to Parliament in his place. After acting as Minister of Information and Broadcasting (1964-6), Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister on the death of Lal Shastri in 1966, having toured India, drawing enormous crowds in her campaign, . In 1971 he called a general election to seek public support and won by an enormous margin.
Hindustan Times bring you a rare interview with Indira Gandhi shot before she was assassinated. She speaks about her sons with a passing reference to her grandson, Rahul Gandhi. She also reveals some unknown facts about the soon-to-be PM Rajiv Gandhi's early childhood years.
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