Indira Gandhi Death Anniversary: From ‘Indu’ to India’s Iron Lady

New Delhi: On the morning of October 31, 1984, everything was normal on Delhi's Safdarjung Road—but within minutes everything changed. At around 9:30 in the morning, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was moving towards her office when her own bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, opened fire. Within a few moments, the most powerful woman of the country fell to the ground. This attack was carried out against Operation Blue Star. Today, on his death anniversary, the country is again remembering him.

Why was Indira Gandhi called 'Iron Lady'?

Indira Gandhi was called 'Iron Lady' because she took such decisions, which no other leader had dared to take at that time. In 1971 she led a war against Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. In 1974 she conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, nationalized banks, and ordered Operation Blue Star to deal with insurgency in Punjab. Her political determination and self-confidence made her immortal in the pages of history.

Why did Emergency become the most controversial decision of his life?

On June 25, 1975, Indira Gandhi announced the imposition of emergency in the country. At that time, opposition leaders were arrested across the country, press freedom was limited, and civil liberties were almost eliminated. This period, which lasted for 21 months, is considered to be the most difficult time in the history of Indian democracy. This decision is criticized even today, but Indira Gandhi always said that whatever she did, she did it for the stability of the country.

How was Indira Gandhi's upbringing?

Indira was born on 19 November 1917 in Allahabad. She was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru. She was lovingly called ‘Indu’ in the family. Her grandfather Motilal Nehru named her 'Indira Priyadarshini,' which means beautiful and radiant. Since childhood, he witnessed the atmosphere of the freedom struggle, and politics became a natural part of his life.

Who was Firoz Gandhi, whom Indira married?

Firoz Gandhi was born in Mumbai in 1912. His father belonged to a Gujarati Parsi family and was a marine engineer. After his father's death, his mother came to Allahabad, from where Firoz studied. It was from here that he entered politics and met Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru.
When Kamala Nehru fell ill during a movement, Firoz helped her a lot. Gradually he came closer to the Nehru family, and his friendship with Indira turned into love.

How did marriage happen across differences of religion?

When Jawaharlal Nehru came to know about the relationship between Indira and Firoz, he became worried. Firstly, there was the difference of religion; on top of that, there was political opposition—the situation was difficult. He shared this with Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi himself suggested that Firoz adopt the surname ‘Gandhi.’ This is how Firoz Khan became 'Firoz Gandhi.'

In 1942, both of them got married according to Hindu customs. On the same day ‘Indira Priyadarshini’ became ‘Indira Gandhi.’

Why is Indira Gandhi remembered even today?

Indira Gandhi was not just a leader; she was a thought. A woman who showed that toughness and sensitivity can go together. Her decisions were not always liked by everyone, but it is true that whatever she did, she did it for the country.

Even though bullets took her life on 31 October 1984, the 'Iron Lady' of India is still alive in millions of hearts.