Remembering Iron lady on her 102nd birth Anniversary

Indira Gandhi, one of the strongest
post-independence political figures of India was born on this day – November 19
– in the year 1917. The son of India’s first-ever Prime Minister Jawaharlal
Nehru ended up occupying the coveted post for three terms during her political
tenure. Under her political leadership, India played a crucial role in
liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan. On her 102nd birth anniversary, here are
some lesser known facts about the “Iron Lady” of India.

Considered as one of the most influential
leaders of the world in her era, the courageous instincts were seen in her as
early as she was a little girl. At the age of 5, when the country was observing
the non-cooperation movement against the British regime, Indira had ended up
burning her doll which was “Made in England”. Passionate Quotes From
Indira Gandhi.

In 1942, at the age of 25, Indira had
challenged the societal norms as she decided to marry Feroze Gandhi who was a
Parsi. The wedding drew widespread flak towards her father Jawaharlal  Nehru, as several among his followers from
the majoritarian community were aggrieved over the inter-religious marriage.

The issue turned serious to an extent where
Mahatma Gandhi – the tallest socio-religious-political leader of the era – to
issue an approval for the wedding. “I invite the writers of abusive
letters to shed your wrath and bless the forthcoming marriage,” he had
said.

Indira, who later went on to become the
Prime Minister, drew massive applause for her decisive role in the war to
liberate East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh). A rare known episode before
the war involves her visit to the United States in 1971. As per the Oval Office
recordings later obtained, President Richard Nixon had told US Secretary Henry
Kissinger that the Indian PM was an “old witch”.

Analysts have interpreted his remarks to
have been evoked out of frustration, as the US was siding with Pakistan and
wanted to coerce India from the military confrontation in the area now known as
Bangladesh. However, Indira Gandhi was not pressurised by Washington as New
Delhi’s then closest ally – the Soviet Union – had backed the war to liberate
East Pakistan. After the war, Indira had sent out a scathing veiled message to
the US, saying, “I am not a person to be pressured — by anybody or any
nation.”

One of the least known facts about Indira
Gandhi is her close friendship with late former UK PM Margaret Thatcher — both
were the first female prime ministers of their respective nations. After
Indira’s assassination on this day in 1984, an emotional Thatcher came to India
to attend the funeral. In the statement she handed over to Rajiv Gandhi, the
Tory Party chief had said: “I cannot describe to you my feelings at the
news of the loss of your mother, except to say that it was like losing a member
of my own family. Our many talks together had a closeness and mutual
understanding which will always remain with me. She was not just a great
statesman but a warm and caring person.”