The Iron Lady of India: Indira Gandhi’s Defining Moments in History

Indira Gandhi, the first and the only female Prime Minister of India, is often regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the country’s history. She is also the second-longest serving Indian Prime Minister, after her father Jawaharlal Nehru, with a total term of 15 years and 350 days. Indira Gandhi’s leadership style was a powerful combination of determination, courage, and resilience. During her time in office, from 1966-1977 and 1980-1984, she implemented numerous initiatives and reforms that transformed India’s social and economic landscape.

Her journey began in a household that was steeped in political activism and dedication to public service. Born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, Mrs. Gandhi’s entry into politics was not merely a coincidence but a natural progression of her upbringing. At a very early age, she started the “Bal Charkha Sangh” and the “Vanar Sena” of children to support the Congress party during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Her first foray into the political arena came when she assisted her father as his personal assistant in the 1950s, during his Prime Ministership. Her dedication and astute understanding of political dynamics soon caught the attention of the public and leaders within the Indian National Congress. In 1959, she was elected President of the Indian National Congress, a position she held until 1960 and then again from January 1978 till her death.

In 1964, Indira Gandhi was elected as a Member of Parliament, and later assumed the role of Minister of Communication & Broadcasting in the cabinet of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who had succeeded Nehru as Prime Minister. In her capacity as a minister, she authorized a family planning education program on television, relaxed censorship laws, and increased broadcasting hours. Following the abrupt demise of Shastri in 1966, Gandhi was successful in gathering trust and support over her adversary,  Morarji Desai, and assumed the Prime Ministership. In addition, she served as the Atomic Energy Minister from September 1967 until March 1977. From September 1967 to February 1969, she was also in charge of the Ministry of External Affairs. Indira Gandhi served as the head of the Ministry of Space from June 1972 to March 1977 as well as in the Ministry of Home Affairs from June 1970 to November 1973. She also took immense interest in the functioning of the Planning Commission of India as its de-facto Chair during her premiership.

Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated society, Mrs Gandhi rose to the top, paving the way for future generations of women in politics. Meanwhile, the war with Pakistan in 1965 had caused fiscal issues and a drought-related food crisis that led to famines and sent India into its worst recession since independence. Nevertheless, Mrs Gandhi took over a faltering and unstable economy. During her initial years, Gandhi was personally determined and motivated to attain nationwide agricultural self-sufficiency because she considered India’s reliance on American grain imports to be disdained and this milestone was successfully achieved through the effective Fourth Five Year Planning during her term. Further, in 1967 under her leadership, India successfully resisted Chinese invasions in the Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim – an Indian Protectorate (finally annexing Sikkim to India in 1975). India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistani War in December 1971 was Gandhi’s crowning achievement. The last two weeks of the Bangladesh Liberation War saw that success, which resulted in the creation of an independent Bangladesh.

Indira Gandhi’s tenure as the Prime Minister was marked by her visionary leadership and transformative policies. As Prime Minister, Gandhi oversaw three Five-Year Plans (Fourth FYP 1969-1974; Fifth FYP 1974-1978; Sixth FYP 1980-1985), two of which were successful in achieving the desired growth. She also implemented significant reforms in various sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare, which helped uplift millions of Indians out of poverty. Here are some key initiatives:

Nationalization of Banks: In 1969, Indira Gandhi nationalized 14 major commercial banks. This was done to ensure that the banks serve the social and developmental goals of the country.

Green Revolution: The Green Revolution was another significant policy implemented during Indira Gandhi’s tenure. It aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the use of high-yielding variety seeds, fertilizers, and modern agricultural techniques. This policy helped India become self-sufficient in food grain production.

Abolition of Privy Purses: Indira Gandhi abolished the Privy Purses in 1971, which were payments made to the royal families of the erstwhile princely states as part of their agreement to integrate with India thus reducing economic inequality.

Poverty Alleviation Programs: Indira Gandhi introduced several poverty alleviation programs. The most famous slogan of her political campaign was “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty). However, the effectiveness of these programs has been a subject of debate.

Foreign Policy: Indira Gandhi followed a policy of non-alignment, maintaining equidistance from both the US and the USSR during the Cold War. However, she signed a treaty of peace, friendship, and cooperation with the USSR, which had economic implications.

She strongly advocated gender equality in India and also proposed several  laws including the Indian Constitution’s provision for equal pay for men and women. The impact of these policies on Indian democracy was significant. The economic policies under Indira Gandhi’s rule also led to a shift towards a more socialist economy. Indira Gandhi’s tenure as the Prime Minister of India was not without its fair share of challenges, majorly the emergency of 1975. The emergency period (1975-1977) under Indira Gandhi’s rule had significant economic implications. It led to a temporary increase in economic growth and a decrease in inflation. However, it was also a period of political unrest and is considered a dark phase in the history of Indian democracy.

Mrs. Gandhi’s ability to navigate international alliances further solidified India’s position on the global stage. She strived to maintain a balance between East and West, non-alignment, and a spirit of cooperation amongst nations. She encouraged self-reliance and promoted the growth of indigenous industries, leading to increased employment opportunities and economic stability.

In conclusion, Indira Gandhi’s enduring legacy is a testament of  her immense impact on the transformation of modern India. Her visionary leadership and transformative initiatives have left an indelible mark on Indian society. Indira Gandhi’s commitment to building an inclusive society continues to inspire generations.