Indira Gandhi, India's first female Prime Minister, led the country through war, & social reform, and became a powerful figure on the world stage, here are some things to know about her.
1
Indira Gandhi holds the distinction of being India's first and only female Prime Minister, She served for two terms, 1966-1977 and 1980-1984.
2
She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, She was groomed for politics from a young age.
3
Indira Gandhi received her education in Switzerland and at Somerville College, Oxford, though she did not complete her degrees at either institution.
4
An interesting fact is that Indira Gandhi's husband, Feroze Gandhi, was not related to Mahatma Gandhi.
5
Indira Gandhi was present during crucial moments in Indian history, including the struggle for independence.
6
One of the most controversial periods of Indira Gandhi's rule was the 1975-77 state of emergency.
7
Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, supporting the creation of Bangladesh from what was then East Pakistan.
8
Indira Gandhi is credited with making India a nuclear power by authorizing the first atomic test in 1974.
9
Indira Gandhi implemented social and economic reforms aimed at poverty reduction and women's empowerment.
10
Indira Gandhi's life was tragically cut short in 1984 when her own Sikh bodyguards assassinated her.