INDIRA GANDHI

(1917-1984)

THE IRON LADY OF INDIA

"If I die a violent death as some fear and a few are plotting, I know the violence
will be in the thought and the action of the assassin, not in my dying!"
Deprived of normal childhood

Gandhi was born November 19, 1917,

in Allahabad, India, to Jawaharlal and
Kamala Nehru. Her life was drastically
changed in1919 when her wealthy and
prominent family was visited by
Mohandas Gandhi, the pacifist leader of
the Indian freedom movement.
Recently returned from exile in South
Africa, he converted her parents to the
cause of Indian independence Constant
meetings and the frequent absence of Gandhi's parents deprived her
of a normal childhood. Though she was spoiled by her grandfather
Motilal, Gandhi later recalled she felt "insecure." She was four years
old when her father and grandfather were first jailed for their
activities, then the jailings, which also included her mother, became
frequent.
Shows independent spirit

Because of the insecurities of her childhood

Gandhi hardened herself and resolved not to be
hurt, as her mother had been, She grew up as
a solemn, precocious child whose games were
related to the fight against Britain. For
example, at age 11 she organized the Monkey
Brigade. Imitating the Monkey army in the epic
Indian story Ramayana, While she was in
school in Poona in the1930s She once
commented that Gandhi "was always present in
my life; he played an enormous role in my development.
SYMBOL FOR WOMEN AND THE THIRD WORLD

India had been ruled by England for over a century

prior to its independence in 1947. While the British
hadbuilt many roads, schools, and hospitals, they
had also acted as a superior colonial power. The
Indians greatly resented British control. The
organized struggle for freedom began early in this
century and grew until after World War II, which
ended in 1945, when the British finally realized
they could no longer hold India. The ascension of a woman, Indira
Gandhi, to the highest position in the world's most populous
democracy was especially significant for Indian women, who had
traditionally been subservient to men. In addition, she was also an
inspiration to people in other Third World nations.
Her road to power and politics

Started when she turned twelve years of age.Time of British

imperialism,Indian National Congress from Allahabadnot know
when or if the British would search their homes. some asserted
that the Monkey Brigade was the idea of the Congress. In any
event, Indira became the leader of this children's group whose
purpose was to help end British control in India.One of the most
significant actions of the Monkey Brigade involved Indira. The
Congress party's top officials were organizing a civil disobedience
movement After meeting, the documents containing the plans of
movement were placed in trunk of car with Indira in the back
seat.a police inspector stopped the car to search it.However,
Indira pleaded him not to inspect the car because the delay would
cause her to arrive late at school. Fortunately, the inspector
believed her and car was not searched.
In 1938, Indira finally joined the Indian National Congress Party,
something she always longed to do. Soon afterwards in 1942, she
married journalist Feroze Gandhi to whom she eventually bore two
sons. Soon after the couple was married, they were sent to prison
on charges of subversion by the British. Her first and only
imprisonment lasted from September 11, 1942 until May 13,
1943 at the Naini Central Jail in Allahabad. Fortunately, India won
its independence from Britain in 1947. In that same year, Indira's
father Jawaharlal Nehru became prime minister. Since her mother
had died in 1936, Later in 1959, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur
Shastri appointed Indira Gandhi as minister of information and
broadcasting. This position was the fourth highest ranking position
in the Cabinet As minister, she most importantly encouraged the
making of inexpensive radios and started a family planning
program.
She was imprisoned for 13 months in 1942 by the British. In that
year she married Feroze Gandhi, a journalist; they had two sons,
Rajiv and Sanjay. Indira, however, remained with her father, who
became Prime Minister after independence, and acted as his
hostess and close supporter from 1947 to 1964.Under Gandhi's
instructions she worked in the riot-affected areas of Delhi
in 1947.Associated with numerous organizations, she was
Chairman of the Central Social Welfare Board (1953-7), member
of the Working Committee and Central Election Committee
from 1955 and the Central Parliamentary Board from 1956, and
President of the All India Youth Congress from 1956 to 1960. On
Nehru's death in 1964 she was elected to Parliament in his place.
After acting as Minister of Information and Broadcasting (1964-
6), Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister on the death of Lal
Shastri in 1966, having toured India, drawing enormous crowds in
 her campaign, . In 1971 he called a general election to seek public
support and won by an enormous margin.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signing

the aggreement of 
friendship and cooperation with
Bangaldesh, Dacca, March, 1972

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with

President Nixon, 
during her visit to the USA,
Washington, November, 1971

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with

Prime Minister 
Edward Heath of the UK, New Delhi,
January, 1971

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signing

the 
historic Simla Agreement, Simla, July,
1972