Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers Over Time [Indira Gandhi: Iron Lady of India (1917-1984)]
By Sumit138
-
1917 – Birth & Early Life
Born in Allahabad to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru. Raised in a politically active family, she was exposed to India’s freedom struggle from an early age. -
1934–1937 – Education
Studied at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, where she was mentored by Rabindranath Tagore.
Later, she went to Oxford University (Somerville College, England) to study history, political science, and economics but left due to health issues. -
1942 – Marriage & Political Involvement
Married Feroze Gandhi, a freedom fighter and journalist. Shortly after, both were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement, which was a major push for India's independence. -
1966 – Becomes India’s First Female Prime Minister
After Lal Bahadur Shastri’s sudden death, she was chosen as Prime Minister. Initially seen as a weak leader, she soon established herself with bold decisions. -
1971 – Bangladesh Liberation War Victory
Led India in a war against Pakistan, supporting Bangladesh’s independence. The Indian Army’s decisive victory strengthened her leadership and international reputation. -
1975–77 – Emergency Period
Declared Emergency, suspending civil liberties, jailing opposition leaders, and censoring the press. This led to growing unrest, and in 1977, she lost elections for the first time. -
1974 – India’s First Nuclear Test (Pokhran-I)
Conducted India’s first nuclear test, codenamed "Smiling Buddha," making India a nuclear-capable nation despite global opposition. -
1980 – Returns as Prime Minister
After the opposition government failed, she won the elections again and returned as Prime Minister. However, political instability and security threats increased. -
1984 – Operation Blue Star & Assassination
Ordered Operation Blue Star to remove armed militants from the Golden Temple, angering Sikhs worldwide. -
1984 – Assassination
October 31, 1984,Assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, in retaliation for Operation Blue Star.
Her death triggered nationwide anti-Sikh riots, causing thousands of deaths.