Indira Gandhi was a significant figure in Indian politics, serving as the Prime Minister of India for three terms: first from 1966 to 1977 and then from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, India, Indira was educated at prestigious institutions, including Visva-Bharati University and the University of Oxford.
Political Career
- Entry into Politics: Following her father's death in 1964, she became involved in politics and was appointed as a minister in Lal Bahadur Shastri's cabinet.
- Prime Ministership: She became Prime Minister in 1966 and was known for her strong leadership style. She implemented significant economic reforms and focused on self-sufficiency in food production, leading to the Green Revolution.
Key Policies and Events
- Emergency (1975-1977): Indira declared a national emergency, suspending elections and civil liberties, which led to widespread criticism. This period ended in 1977, after which she lost power.
- Return to Power: She returned to power in 1980 and continued to pursue policies aimed at modernizing India's economy and strengthening its defense.
Assassination and Legacy
- Assassination: Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her own bodyguards in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, which was a military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Legacy: She remains a polarizing figure in Indian history. Supporters praise her for her strong leadership and efforts to modernize India, while critics point to her authoritarian tendencies and the Emergency.