Everyone who has a little knowledge of our freedom struggle have heard the name of Anand Bhawan. This is the same Anand Bhawan where Pt. Motilal Nehru lived with his family. He was an eminent lawyer of Allahabad High Court. The name of his wife was Swarup Rani. Swarup Rani was a kind hearted lady of religious thoughts. She was a god fearing lady. Their son was Jawaharlal Nehru who was married to Kamla.
CHILDHOOD
Time ran smoothly with its own pace. Days converted into months and months convetred into years. During this, Kamla Nehru gave birth to a delicate child. Anand Bhawan lighted colourfully to celebrate the time of happiness. People rushed in to congratulate. By the time, grandmother of the child Swarup Rani said, “I thought for a male-child but it became female.”
Hearing it Motilal rebuked her in an irritating tone, “Shut up! There is no difference between son and daughter for me.”
At the same time a gentleman came to Motilal. He said, “Nehru Ji, one day time will come when your granddaughter will enlighten your name in the world. No one will dream of it that one day this girl will be the first lady Prime Minister of India, but whatever that gentleman told became true in due course of time.
Motilal called her Indira while Jawahar and Kamla added ‘Priyadarshini’ before Indira, because she looked like a beautiful doll. Sarojini Naidu also came to see her. She said, “Pundit ji. This girl will enlighten your name one day.”
Indira was born on 10th November, 1917. At that time country was facing First World War.
There was turmoil all over the country. Mahatma Gandhi was at the top of the politics of India. He was awaking the sentiments of the people to get ready to fight for independence. At that time Anand Bhawan was the hub of political activities. Indira was brought up in such a politicaly charged environment. Then Motilal constructed a new house for Jawahar and it was named ‘Swaraj-Bhawan’.
Motilal opened Congress office in Swaraj Bhawan. He made it the main centre of national campaign for freedom movement. Leaders of national calibre started to come. They met here and making plans for the independence. The people who lived here were full of patriotism. Thirst of freedom was seen on their faces.
Grown-up in such a charged atmosphere Indira’s devotion towards independence was iminent. One day Indira saw her grandfather collecting foreign cloths. She asked him, “Dada Ji, why are you collecting these cloths?”
“I am going to burn them. Now we have not to wear those foreign cloths any more. We shall only wear country-made cloths of Khadi,” he replied.
Having heard this Indira also started collecting foreign cloths. After sometime, she went with her grandfather and came back after burning them. Now Indira also decided to wear Khadi.
But one day she had to go through with an ordeal. A lady came to meet her. She had returned from Paris. She brought a frock for Indira from Paris. Giving that frock to Indira she said, “I have brought it for you, would you like to wear it?”
Indira took the frock but she recalled the burning of foreign cloths. She said to the lady returning the frock, “It is of foreign made. I shall never wear it.”
“Then why do you play with foreign toys? Let them give up too.” That lady asked Indira in a sarcastic manner.
Hearing it Indira was shocked. Immediately she burnt the foreign toys to ashes. Afterwards she regret for what she had done. She fell ill but didn’t lose her patience. After some days, she recovered fully.
EDUCATION
When Indira was 5 years old, her father and grandfather was in prison for participating in freedom-movement. There was no one to look after her studies. Her house was packed with leaders every time.
A teacher was appointed for her. He used to come to teach her, but Indira felt lonely because her father and grandfather was in jail.
Jawaharlal used to write a letter to his daughter daily from jail. He keeps abreast her knowledge with the news of national and international events through letters. He suggests her to purchase good books for reading.
One day she read the story of ‘Joan of Arc’. After reading this book she filled with enthusiasm and considered herself as ‘Joan of Arc’. She was taking some resolve in her mind.
Indira spent most of her childhood with her mother. She didn’t get the opportunity to live with father because he was in jail most of the time.
Once Nehru wrote a letter to her from jail, “You are very lucky that you have got such a caring mother. When ever you face any trouble your mother stood by you. Inspite of being a mother you considered her a good friend.”
Kamla was very confident. Indira was deeply impressed with the virtues of her mother but she didn’t lead a healthy life. She was unable to do all the chores for Indira. This was the reason that Indira wasn’t in good health in her childhood. When Indira grew-up to the age of 8, Kamla’s illness got worsened. Due to her illness Jawaharlal was released from jail. He hospitalised her in Lucknow, but doctors advised him to take her to Switzerland.
Jawaharlal with ailing Kamla sailed for Jeneva by ship, Indira also accompanied them.
As good medical facilities and an healthy environment provided Kamla’s health started improving. During this period Indira visited few other countries. She visited London, Paris and Berlin with her father.
Indira met many great writers there. She felt pride when she saw the friendship of her father with Politicians, Scientists and Artists of various countries. Then she returned to India with her parents.
Now, Kamla’s health improved and Indira became 11 years old. Now she also desired to serve the nation along with her father and grandfather, but no one encouraged her. Indira became aggressive. She gathered her neighbourhood children and delivered a speech.
Indira planned to make an organisation with their help. She wanted to serve the nation in her capacity. All the children became ready to co-operate with her. Indira given her organisation the name ‘Vanar Sena’. About six thousand children took its membership.
Vanar Sena started working for Congress. Children started distributing pamphlets of Congress and also serve the injured persons. Seeing all this Jawaharlal felt that Indira is preparing herself according to the environment of the nation.
It was year 1929. Congress session was to be held in Lahore. Jawaharlal was elected to preside the session. More than 3 lac people were gathered on the bank of river Ravi. It was decided in the session that 26th Jan. 1930 will be celebrated as Independence Day. On that day people of whole country swear to make the nation free. At the time, Indira was also sitting on the dias. Suddenly some one asked Indira to read the ‘Pratigya-Patra’. Indira read the letter with great zeal and enthusiasm.
As the time of her childhood was passing the inclination of Indira towards poltical activities was growing. She didn’t waste a single moment. In leisure, she spun cotton by using charkha.
When Gandhiji started his ‘Dandi-Yatra’ for ‘Namak-Satyagraha’ he continued going on foot for 24 days. He made salt by boiling water on the sea bed of Dandi. Namak-Satyagraha movement took a massive form in the country. Manufacturing of the salt started at many places. People started picketing on the shops of foreign cloths and wine. Grandfather and parents of Indira took active part in this movement, and was sent to jail.
Indira was once again alone in the house. Jawahar was anxious for Indira’s studies. He taught his daughter about the nation-history by writing letters from the jail. This type of education cann’t be achieved even after doing tireless efforts. He filled her mind with Indian culture, which she never forget.
Jawahar lighted her heart with the spirit of truth, which always inspired Indira to follow the true path. The education parted by Jawahar to Indira gave much awaited boost to her knowledge. These letters became popular at national and international level.
In jail, Motilal Nehru was suffered from asthma, therefore, British Govt. set him free. After his release, he went to Mussorie for treatment with entire family. Indira also went with him. There was no one in Anand Bhavan except Kamla.
When Jawahar was released from jail, he also went to Mussorie with Kamla to look after his father. Now, health of Motilal was improving a bit but after returning to Allahabad he again fell ill.
This time, even the prominent doctors couldn’t do any good, and he died in Feb., 1931.
Nehru family was in grief at this irrepairable loss. An ideal personality who always motivated Indira became no more. Now, Indira’s loneliness aggravated. Her father Jawaharlal, feeling the sentiments of her daughter, admitted her to a school in Pune.
Indira’s cousin was also studied in the same school. In Pune, Indira became nervous for some days but later she mixed up with the students of her school.
Indira had visited many foreign countries. So her IQ was very good. She passed Matriculation in 1934. She took active part in debates on politics and read magazines with great interest. So the committee of the school made her secretary of ‘Sahityik-Sabha’. She also participated in the literary meetings.
Indira met many a times with Gandhiji. So, he left an indelible impression on her. At that time Gandhiji was imprisoned in Yervada Jail, Pune.
One day Indira went to Yervada Jail to meet Gandhiji after taking permission from school authorities. Gandhiji was on hunger strike. Indira also kept hunger strike. In the meantime, a prayer meeting was held in Pune to support Gandhiji’s hunger strike. Indira surprised everyone in this meeting by delivering a bold speech.
Indira believed in hard work. Jawaharlal wanted that she joined Shanti-Niketan after her matriculation and spend some time under the guidance of Ravindra Nath Tagore, but the environment of Shanti-Niketan was like a monastery. Rules of the hostel were very strict and all the inmates had to do their work themselves. They have to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning and reach the class by 6 o’clock.
Indira adjusted herself according the atmosphere of the hostel. She lived there bare-footed and wear khadi’s saree. People astonished to see her in this attire.
Indira stictly follow the rules of Shanti-Niketan. She listened to Gurudev with great attention.
Once a professor from Europe came to Shanti-Niketan to address the inmates. ‘Kala Bhawan’ was the lecture-venue. It was prohibited there to wear shoes but Professor entered the venue with shoes on. Indira and her friends told him to remove his shoes outside but professor ignored them.
Indira became angry. She came out of the ‘Kala-Bhawan’ with her friends. Professor had to face humiliation. He complained it to Ravindra Nath Tagore. When Gurudev asked the reason then he came to know that Indira and her associates had boycotted against the misconduct of professor.
Gurudev liked Manipuri dance very much. He had organised a troupe of dancers. Indira was also a member of the troupe. He made a plan to visit the country with troupe. Therefore, the members of the troupe used to practice regularly. Indira too was busy in dance practice.
One day Gurudev called her and handed over a telegram. It was from Allahabad and contained the information of Kamla’s serious illness.
After reading the telegram, Indira became worried. She started packing her luggage to go to Allahabad. Before departing she went to meet Gurudev.
“I shall accompany you to Allahabad, if you desired so,” Gurudev asked Indira.
“No Gurudev! I will make my journey alone,” Indira answered touching the feet of Gurudev.
Gurudev was impressed by Indira’s firmness. After Indira’s departure he wrote a letter to Jawahar, “It was good if Indira stayed at Shanti-Niketan for some more time. She didn’t want to go back but she was helpless. She wanted to see her ailing mother. I am very pleased that you have brought up your daughter in such a good culture. Indira has adopted your character, your thoughts and your firmness. All the inmates of Shanti-Niketan appreciate her.”
Reaching Allahabad soon she accompanied her mother to Germany for treatment.
In Germany, Indira became busy looking after her mother. There, a Parsi youngman used to come to see her ailing mother. His name was Firoze. He was studying in ‘London School of Economics’. Firoze had already joined Congress during Civil Disobedience Movement. He was always ready in the service of Kamla in Germany. Due to Firoze Indira got some help in looking after her ailing mother. Since then a cordial relationship established between them which later became a love affair.
It was year 1936, the day was Feb 28, Jawaharlal was also in Germany. Suddenly Kamla’s condition deteriorated. Medicines proved inaffective and she passed away.
At that time Indira was 18 years old. She was in deep shock. Jawahar took her to many places full of natural beauties to kept her mind fresh. However, Indira remained unchanged.
At last Jawahar sent her to London for studies. Indira started her studies at Oxford University. Here meeting with many intellectuals she changed a lot. Feroz also met her, but the politics was in her blood. She worked for India League in London.
At that time Krishna Menon was the patron of India League. One day he invited Indira to attend a meeting. In the meeting he suddenly announced that Indira will address the meeting. Many senior citizens were present there, and Indira had never made her speech before such an audience.
She came to the dias and stood silently. Then someone commented sarcastically over her silence. Those present in the meeting began to laugh. Being disappointed, Indira decided that she will must addressed the general meeting one day, and she did.
MARRIED TO FIROZE
Indira was eager to return to her country. Therefore, she decided to return India without obtaining her college degree. And she returned by a military ship.
In India she went to Dehradun to met her father. At that time her father was imprisoned in Dehradun jail. She told him that he wanted to marry Firoze. Hearing it Jawaharlal got stunned. He adviced Indira to give up her idea of marrying Firoze, but he became helpless seeing her adamant. At last, Jawaharlal gave his consent.
Hearing this news in a letter Gandhiji suggested to Jawaharlal, “Their is no need to invite anyone from outside in Indira’s marriage. Those who are present in Allahabad may be invited. But you must know first that Indira likes the simple arrangements for her marriage or not.’’
It was year 1942. The day was March 26. Indira was clad in a Khadi saree of saffron colour. Her marriage was soleminized with Hindu customs.
During that time British Govt. had banned public meetings in India. Despite of this ban Indira decided to participate in a public meeting held in Allahabad soon after her marriage. When she started to address, police tried to stop her. Firoze was also present in the meeting. He at once stood as a sheild for Indira.
Police arrested both, Indira and Firoze. Seeing it people became restless. Some people move ahead to get Indira free. Sensing the gravity of the situation police officer ordered Lathi Charge. Several people were injured.
Indira and Firoze were taken to Naini Jail.
Indira met her aunt Vijay Laxmi Pundit and Lal Bahadur Shastri in the Jail. In addition hundreds of other politician were there.
Indira’s health got worsened in jail. The Governer of Uttar Pradesh sent a doctor to look after her but the superintendent of jail did not allowed him. Indira need immediate medical attention but she didn’t ask for it.
BIRTH OF RAJIV AND SANJAY
Firoze was also in the same jail but he was not allowed to see Indira. After a lots of pleadings he was allowed to meet her. Shortly after he was transferred to another jail.
Time was running with its own pace. Days converted into months. After nine months Indira was released from jail with her aunt. After that Indira was in grip of fever continuously. She was under treatment in Anand Bhawan and after some time she recovered a bit.
After few months Firoze also released from jail and he too started living in Anand Bhawan with Indira.
One day it came to know that Indira is pregnant. When Indira’s aunt knew about it she suggest her to come to Bombay, because there was no one to look after Indira in Anand Bhawan.
Indira went to Bombay.
On 20th August, 1944 Indira gave birth to a son there. At that time Jawaharlal was in jail. When he came to know he became very happy.
Indira named her son ‘Rajiv Ratna’.
After 6-7 months, Indira returned to Allahabad. Jawaharlal was released from jail. Struggle for independence was on its peak.
At that time Firoze was in search for a job. Jawaharlal published a newspaper named ‘National Herald’ from Lucknow. He appointed Firoze as Managing Director of ‘National Herald’.
Firoze came to Lucknow and started living in a rented house. Indira and Rajiv was also with him while Jawaharlal was busy in the formation of an Interim Govt. in Delhi. Sometimes he used to come to Lucknow.
At that time almost the entire country was engulfed in communal frenzy. There was difference of opinion between Congress and Muslim League. Talks were going on for a compromise.
In the meantime Jawaharlal purchased a flat in Delhi in 1946. This flat had four rooms. Indira came to Delhi with her son Rajiv and shifted in that flat.
Delhi’s environment was new for Rajiv. But soon he adjust himself in the new environs.
Indira never neglect Rajiv inspite of her engagements. She was fully cautious for him. For his proper upbringing she appointed an experienced lady governess.
By nature Indira was an introvert but Feroz was just opposite. Firoze had a good taste to decorate his home. He had a strong feeling for the sentiments of Indira. When he was in Lucknow he decorated his house in such a fine manner that Indira was ‘surprised’.
On 14th December, 1946 Indira gave birth to her second child. She christened him Sanjay.
Those days Delhi was in the grip of communal tension. Indira tried to done her best to calm down the passions.
Mahatma Gandhi was closely associated with Indira since her childhood. When he get spare time he came at Nehru’s residence and ask about Indira. Indira observed Gandhi Ji minutely.
Incidentaly Gandhiji called Indira one day before his assasination. When Indira got ready to meet Gandji Ji her gardener gave some flowers and requested her to tie them in her hair, but Indira did not oblige.
When she reached at Gandhiji’s residing place he was taking meal in the garden. Indira presented those flowers to Gandhiji. Affectionately Bapu put them in Rajiv’s hand.
Rajiv started playing with flowers. Sometimes he put flowers on Bapu’s feet and sometimes he put them in Bapu’s hands.
Seeing Rajiv’s activities Gandhiji twisted his ear and said, “Don’t put the flowers on feet. It is not a good omen to put flowers on the feet of a living person.”
At that time no one will think that on the very next day Gandhiji will be assasinated.
Next day Gandhiji was shot dead by Nathuram Godse. News of his assasination spread all over the world like wild fire.
At that time India became free. Jawaharlal was the prime-minister.
Hearing about his assasination Indira was shocked, but soon she controlled herself. Nehru was badly disturbed due to this tragedy. Indira tried to console him.
After becoming prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru got official acommodation at Teen Murti Marg. Here he lived with Indira and her children.
Indira looked after Nehru along with her children.
Firoze was an elected member of parliament. He never attend any public function as Nehru’s son-in-law. There was no difference of opinion on this matter because both of them respected the sentiments of each other.
Firoze understood it well that Indira helps Nehru in his official work. So it is necessary for her to live with Nehru.
A SOCIAL WORKER
a social workerIndira with Gandhiji in Sabarmati Ashram
Indira had a great interest in social works.
Once Indira had gone to Connaught Place for some shopping. There she saw a poor boy. He wore torn cloths and was selling combs. That boy came near to Indira and requested her to buy a comb. Where ever Indira went that boy followed her. At last Indira purchased a comb. She was impressed with his determination.
She asked him, “Do you go to school?”
“I have to work whole day to earn two ends meal. I don’t get time to go to school,” the boy replied.
Thinking about him Indira returned home.
She shared her opinion with Firoze that a child institution should be formed. Firoze also gave his consent. Then Indira established an institution named ‘Bal Sahyog’. In this institution children could earn money by doing various professional jobs.
Indira was associated with many organisations for the upliftment of women and children. She was the chairperson of ‘Indian Council of Child Welfare’.
U. N. awarded her ‘Mothers Award’ in 1953 for her dedication towards social causes. Beside her all engagements and social activities she paid full attention towards her father and sons. For Nehru nation-service was on top agenda, while for Indira father’s service was of same importance.
LOST HER HUSBAND
It was the year of 1960. Indira was on a visit to Nepal. Their she got the news that Firoze suffered a heart-attack. She immediately rushed back to Delhi. By her care and God’s wish Firozee survived.
Indira took him to Kashmir for a climatic change. After sometime they returned back to Delhi.
Some time passed, one day Firoze suffered another attack.
This time also Indira was not with him. After getting the news she came back to Firoze in a haste.
Time was watching everything silently. She prayed to God for her husband’s safety. But God showed no mercy over her this time. Firoze Gandhi passed away on 8th Sept., 1960.
INDIRA AS CONGRESS PRESIDENT
In 1959, Indira was elected as president of All India Congress Committee. She was the fourth lady president of the party. Before her Annie Beasant, Sarojini Naidu and Neli Sen Gupta decorated the post. But Indira took the charge of Congress president after India’s Independence so her job was more important.
LOST HER FATHER
In 1962 India suffered heavy losses in war against China. Nehru was now a hapless person. In 1964, Nehru suffered an paralytic attack. In this hour of crisis Indira served him devotedly and Nehru recovered a bit after some days.
Now he was a tired man. On May 26, 1964 he worked till late night at his home. When he went to bed he told Indira, “Now I have finished all my work.”
Indira didn’t understand the meaning of it.
When Nehru got up in the morning he was looking ill. Indira called on a doctor immediately.
But desiny was not with her. Nehru passed away.
Once again Indira was in grief. Like a statue she stood beside the dead body of her father. Hundreds of M.P’s, relatives and politicians stood beside her. She received many international dignitaries too.
Hordes of masses gathered at Teen-Murti Bhawan to pay their last homage to Nehru. Indira talked to Lal Bahadur Shastri for her father’s cremation.
Nehru was cremated according to his wish.
Now it was the responsibility of Congress leaders to select the successor of Nehru. They unanimously elected Indira as their leader. But Indira rejected the proposal. Then Guljari Lal Nanda was sworn in as acting prime-minister.
After some days Lal Bahadur Shastri was elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary party. He asked Indira to take charge of Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Indira hesitatingly gave her consent. Later she was elected to Rajya Sabha.
People were surprised that why the charge of ministry of External Affairs was not given to Indira. Being as a personal secretary to his father and Prime Minister Nehru, Indira already showed her ability to get the work done according to her wish. Even foreign dignitaries applauded her style of functioning.
INDO-PAK WAR & DEMISE OF SHASTRIJI
Pakistan forced India for a war in 1965. Pakistan Army was defeated by brave Indians and a ceasefire was announced.
Just after war ended Indira paid a visit to Kashmir and addressed brave Indian soldiers. She was the first Indian leader who visited Kashmir valley after 1965 war.
After signing the cease-fire treaty in Tashkent suddenly Shastriji suffered a heart attack. He died in Tashkent.
Once again the post of P.M. was vacant. Many big-wigs of Indian politics were making their own claim for that post.
There were some leaders whom people think fit for the top post. One of them was Morarji Desai, who was known for his strictness and principles. The second was Guljari Lal Nanda who was again made the acting prime-minister.
The name of Indira was not among the possible candidates. At that time K. Kamraj was the Congress president. Some leaders proposed his name for the prime-ministership but he refused. Instead he proposed the name of Indira after a lot of thinking. He was of the opinion that Indira should elected unopposed but Morarji was against it. He wanted an election.
When Indira heard that she has been proposed for prime-ministership, she was surprised but didn’t reject it.
It is now certain that election for P.M. post will not be unanimous. A date was fixed to elect the leader of the Congress Parliamentary party.
After the poll Indira declared elected as the leader with a thumpting majority.
As a humble leader Indira thanked Morarji and seek his co-operation for smooth functioning of govt.
PRIME MINISTER INDIRA GANDHI
Indira became the first lady Prime Minister of India on 24th January, 1966.
She appointed Morarji Desai as Dy. P.M. in her cabinet. When she took charge the economy of the nation wasn’t in a good shape. Country was in the grip of drought. Demand for division of Punjab was on its peak.
Indira was in the habit of doing work for 16-18 hours a day. When the parliament session was on she worked whole night in her office.
When she visited America, she was welcomed in a grand way. The President of America Lindon B. Johnson arrived at Indian embassy to meet Indira without prior intimation.
Indira visited London, Paris and Moscow too.
The problems of India became more complex day by day. Fast growing population was the main reason behind India’s problems. At that time, there was shortage of food grains. Their was labour unrest too. Strikes were the fashion of those days.
In such a grim situation opposition parties tried their best to gain political mileage.
Sensing unrest Indira started her country wide tour to take the assesment of the situation. She tried her best to win the confidence of the people, but had to face many odds.
Next general elections were due after some time. So Indira had to convass hard for her party.
Indira filed her nomination from Rai Bariely and became victorious with huge margin. Again she was elected the leader of Congress parliamentary party on 12th March, 1967.
This time Congress gained thin majority than earlier. Indira formed her Govt. in the centre but lost her monopoly. Opposition parties formed Govt. in 8 states. It became clear from this election that a large section of people is not satisfied with Congress policies.
In this situation Indira worked with great patience and courage. She had a quality that she became bold in adverse situations.
GENERAL ELECTIONs OF 1971
At that time there was unrest in East Pakistan. Pakistani army played havoc over innocent people. Millions of people crossed the border to take refuge in India.
In the meanwhile Pakistan attacked over India. Indian soldiers fought bravely and Pakistani army had to surrender at last. After this war a new country was born—Bangladesh.
The prominent leaders of Congress had left the party before the parliamentary election of 1971 but the countrymen still had faith on Indira. They again reaffirmed their faith giving her a resounding victory. This time Indira’s Congress swept the poll by winning 350 seats. It was the magic of the Garibi Hatao slogan.
Congress Parliamentary party meeting was held on 17th March. In the meeting members elected Indira again their leader unanimously.
1977 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Time passed by. After sometime Allahabad high court set aside the election of Indira. But she refused to step down, instead she challenged the verdict in Supreme Court.
In those days strikes were like a fashion. Chaos seems to reign everywhere.
In such circumstances on the advice of Cabinet President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed promulgated emergency in the country. Internal unrest was the reason given for it.
All the opposition leaders were arrested and put in jails. Indira’s younger son Sanjay emerged as the new power centre during the emergency.
Indira announced a 20-point programme for the welfare of the countrymen. Sanjay too announced his 5-point programme.
During emergency situation was brought under control. Anti nationals were booked under MISA. Prices were under control. Government machinery functioned properly and many schemes were introduced for the upliftment of the general masses.
After 19 months of Emergency Indira announced the dates for fresh General elections. All the opposition leaders who were in jails set free.
At that time Jaiprakash Narain (J.P.) emerged at the political scene. All the opposition parties agreed to be united under his leadership. The front was named Janata Party.
Janata Party swept the elections, particularly in North India. Indira also lost her Rai Bareili seat to Raj Narain.
RE-EMERGE AGAIN
Morarji Desai became the new P.M. But the internal disputes of Janata Party didn’t let him functioning properly. Morarji resigned from the post and with support of Indira Ch. Charan Singh became the new P.M.
Now Indira was playing a game of political diplomacy. Due to her clever politics Charan Singh resigned from the post without even facing the parliament for a single day.
In 1980’s General elections people again reaffirmed their faith in Indira. Congress (I) became victorious and Indira was again on the highest political seat of the country.
In the meanwhile her son Sanjay died in a plane crash in Delhi. Indira was again in shock but soon overcame it.
Indira already became a living legend for the Indian masses when our scientists test successfully the Atom Bomb in Pokhran. There are other achivements too for her. But sectionist problems of Assam and Punjab are taking heavy toll. People were massacred by the militants.
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale emerged at the scene in Punjab. Militants under his leadership demanding separate Khalistan for the Sikhs.
During all this disturbances Asian Games were successfuly held in Delhi. It was another feather on Indira’s cap.
During her this tenure as P.M. Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to sail in orbit. Indira talked to him from land. It was too a great achievement for Indira.
By this time Indira also established herself as an international leader. She became the undisputed leader of the non-aligned movement. In 1983 conference of non-aligned nations was held in New Delhi.
But successes are not everywhere. Insurgency became a headache for the nation. North-East and Punjab was on fire. Militants taken shelter in gurudwaras with their sophisticated ammunition in Punjab.
Golden temple became a fortress of Bhindranwale. On 24 April, 1980, Nirankari chief Baba Gurbachan Singh was assasinated. Bhindranwale was the main suspect behind the killing.
TERRORISM IN PUNJAB
By the year 1984 the situation in Punjab was out of control. Now it was impossible for Indira to watch the blood-shed of the innocent people silently. Pakistan helped and funded the militants in every possible means.
The integrity of the country was in danger. Seeing no other alternative she ordered the army to flush out the terrorists from their bastion—the Golden Temple.
A fierce battle was fought between the Indian army and the militants. Army was ordered to keep restrain to maintain the sanctity of the holy place. After a long battle all the militants either dead or captured.
A huge catche of arms was recoverd from Golden Temple. In this battle Golden Temple to suffered heavy damages. The Sikh community held Indira responsible for attack on their most revered shrine. But Indira was helpless. The action was necessary in national interest.
PROTECTORS BECAME KILLERS
After Operation Bluestar there was threat to Indira’s life by Sikh militants. Indira was also aware of it. She was told to remove the Sikh bodyguards from her inner security ring, but she refused to do so.
It was the last day of October. Time—quarter past nine in the morning. Indira was going to her office on Safdurjung Road. An Irish journalist Peter Ustinov was there with his crew to interview Indira. When Indira walked on the pavement after crossing the gate of her bunglow suddenly security guard posted at the gate connecting her office and residence fired on her indiscriminately.
She was taken to AIIMS by her daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi.
A huge crowd gathered at AIIMS. The whole nation was in anger. Tempers running high. Violence reported from many places.
Tireless efforts of doctors proved in vain. They declared Indira dead at 2:30 p.m.
The nation was in grief. Condolence messages started pouring in from all over the world.
The country was in turmoil. The anger of people burst
like a flame. There was murders, loot and arson everywhere.
The situation was brought under control when Rajiv, the elder son of Indira after taking oath of P.M. office appealed the people to calm down. He ordered Army to flag-march in disturbed areas. Soon the situation was brought under control.
Meanwhile lacs of people thronged Teen Murti house to pay their last respects to the departed soul.
On Nov. 3, 1984 at 3.50 p.m. the mortal remains of this great leader put to the flames near Shanti Vana.
Thus came to an end a great chapter of Independent Indian history.
