Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi (Hindi: [ˈɪnd̪ɪɾɑː ˈɡɑːnd̪ʰi] (listen); née Nehru; 19 November 1917 – 31 October 1984) was an Indian politician and a central figure of the Indian National Congress. She was elected as third prime minister of India in 1966 and was also the first and, to date, only female prime minister of India. Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. She served as prime minister from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984, making her the second longest-serving Indian prime minister after her father. During Nehru's premiership from 1947 to 1964, Gandhi was considered a key assistant and accompanied him on his numerous foreign trips. She was elected president of the Indian National Congress in 1959. Upon her father's death in 1964, she was appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and became a member of Lal Bahadur Shastri's cabinet as Minister of Information and Broadcasting. In the Congress Party's parliamentary leadership election held in early 1966 (upon the death of Shastri), she defeated her rival Morarji Desai to become leader, and thus succeeded Shastri, after his death, as Prime Minister of India. As prime minister, Gandhi was known for her political intransigency and unprecedented centralisation of power. She went to war with Pakistan in support of the independence movement and war of independence in East Pakistan, which resulted in an Indian victory and the creation of Bangladesh, as well as increasing India's influence to the point where it became the sole regional power of South Asia. Citing separatist tendencies, and in response to a call for revolution, Gandhi instituted a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977 where basic civil liberties were suspended and the press was censored. Widespread atrocities were carried out during the emergency.[2] In 1980, she returned to power after free and fair elections. After Gandhi ordered military action in the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star, her own bodyguards and Sikh nationalists assassinated her on 31 October 1984. In 1999, Indira Gandhi was named "Woman of the Millennium" in an online poll organised by the BBC.[3] In 2020, Gandhi was named by Time magazine among the world's 100 powerful women who defined the last century.Read less
Birth Date: November 19, 1917
Birth Place: Allahabad, India
Indira Gandhi, one of India's most prominent political leaders, served as the Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977 and a fourth term from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. Her tenure was marked by significant political and economic events, including the nationalization of banks, the Green Revolution, and the imposition of a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. Recent discussions in the media have focused on her legacy, with debates about her policies' impact on contemporary India, particularly in the context of women's empowerment and economic reforms.
While Indira Gandhi herself did not live in the age of social media, her legacy continues to be celebrated and discussed across various platforms. Posts often highlight her leadership qualities, her role in shaping modern India, and her influence on successive generations of female politicians in India. Various political figures and organizations commemorate her birth and death anniversaries with posts that reflect on her contributions to the nation.
As Indira Gandhi passed away in 1984, there are no recent projects directly associated with her. However, several institutions and programs have been named in her honor, including the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), which continues to expand its educational offerings across India and internationally. Recent projects under the aegis of institutions named after her focus on education, women's empowerment, and rural development.
Indira Gandhi's legacy is a subject of extensive debate and analysis. Her leadership style and policies have been scrutinized for their authoritarian aspects, particularly during the Emergency period. Nonetheless, her contributions to India's agricultural and industrial sectors have had lasting impacts. The Green Revolution, initiated during her tenure, transformed India's agricultural landscape, leading to self-sufficiency in food grains. Her emphasis on scientific and technological development laid the groundwork for India's advancements in these areas.
As the first and only female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi's political journey continues to inspire many women in politics. Her resilience and ability to navigate the complex political landscape of India have made her a symbol of strength and determination.
Indira Gandhi is commemorated through various cultural and educational initiatives. Numerous scholarships, awards, and institutions bear her name, celebrating her contributions to the nation. Annually, on her birth and death anniversaries, political leaders and citizens pay tribute to her legacy through various events and discussions that revisit her impact on India's socio-political fabric.
In Vedic astrology, the Natal Lagna (ascendant) in Cancer and in Ashlesha Nakshatra, combined with the Lagna Lord Moon placed in the 7th house in Capricorn and in Uttar Ashada Nakshatra, paints a fascinating picture of an individual's personality and life experiences. **Cancer Ascendant in Ashlesha Nakshatra:** Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon, indicating a deeply emotional and intuitive nature. Individuals with Cancer Lagna are often nurturing, protective, and value their home and family. Ashlesha Nakshatra, which spans from 16°40' to 30°00' in Cancer, is symbolized by the coiled serpent. This nakshatra bestows individuals with a sharp intellect, a probing mind, and often a magnetic, hypnotic charm. However, Ashlesha can also bring a tendency towards secrecy, manipulation, and holding onto grudges. **Moon in 7th House in Capricorn and in Uttar Ashada Nakshatra:** With the Lagna Lord Moon placed in the 7th house, the house of partnerships, marriage, and public relations, relationships become crucial for the individual. The 7th house Moon indicates a strong emotional dependence on partners and a need for balance in relationships. Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn, imbues the Moon with practicality, discipline, and a focus on long-term commitments. This placement can make the individual serious and responsible regarding partnerships, though it may also bring emotional challenges and a tendency to suppress feelings. Uttar Ashada Nakshatra, covering 26°40' Sagittarius to 10°00' Capricorn, is symbolized by the tusk of an elephant and ruled by the Sun. It represents victory, achievement, and invincibility. The Moon in this nakshatra indicates a person who seeks high standards and has a strong sense of justice and morality. They are likely to be ambitious, aiming for success and recognition in partnerships and public life. **Summary:** An individual with Cancer Lagna in Ashlesha Nakshatra, and Lagna Lord Moon in the 7th house in Capricorn and Uttar Ashada Nakshatra, is characterized by a deeply emotional, intuitive, and nurturing nature. They possess a sharp intellect and a charming, yet sometimes secretive demeanor. Relationships and partnerships hold significant importance, with the individual seeking stability, responsibility, and long-term commitments. The combination of Capricorn's practicality and Uttar Ashada's ambitious energy drives them to achieve success and recognition, especially in partnerships and public endeavors. However, they must navigate emotional challenges and the potential for suppressed feelings within their relationships.
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