Today marks the 39th death anniversary of Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who was assassinated by her own bodyguards on October 31, 1984. The first woman Prime Minister that India saw, she served the longest tenure in the office after her father, Jawaharlal Nehru. Her grandson and COngress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X (Twitter) and posted an emotional message remembering her.

One of the most prominent names in Indian politics, here are some of the interesting facts that had created history unforgettable:

Also Read

Early Life and Childhood: Indira Gandhi, born on November 19, 1917, in then Allahabad, was the only child of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru. Growing up amidst the fervor of the freedom struggle, she formed the ‘monkey brigade,’ a group of children distributing Indian flags and keeping an eye on the police.

Education and International Exposure: Gandhi received education at Visva-Bharati University, Swiss schools, and Somerville College, Oxford. She played a significant role as Nehru’s key assistant during his tenure as Prime Minister, accompanying him on numerous foreign trips.

Political Ascendancy: In 1959, Gandhi was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress and subsequently became a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1964. Following the sudden demise of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, she was elected as India’s first female Prime Minister.

Remarkable Political Achievements: Gandhi served as the Prime Minister twice, from January 1966 to March 1977, and then from January 1980 to October 1984. Her tenure included significant milestones like India’s victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. For her contributions, she was honored with the Bharat Ratna.

Bold Policy Measures: During her leadership, Gandhi nationalized 14 banks and initiated efforts to combat poverty while focusing on environmental conservation. However, her imposition of Emergency in 1975 stirred controversy after her conviction in an election offense.

Also Read

Controversial Decisions and Criticisms: Gandhi faced criticism for Operation Blue Star in 1984, an operation against the Punjab insurgency, where the Harmandir Sahib was stormed. This decision attracted widespread condemnation and led to further tensions in the region.

Tragic Assassination: On October 31, 1984, tragedy struck when Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. The assailants fired 31 bullets, leaving a lasting impact on Indian politics and society.

Legacy and International Recognition: Even after her death, Indira Gandhi’s legacy persisted. A BBC poll in 1999 named her the “Woman of the Millennium,” underscoring her enduring influence and impact on global affairs, making her a significant figure in India’s history.