108th Birth Anniversary of Indira Gandhi | 20 Nov 2025

Source: IE

India paid tributes to former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal, her memorial site in New Delhi on the occasion of her 108th birth anniversary.

• Born on 19th November 1917 in Allahabad to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi became India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, serving from 1966–1977 and again from 1980 -1984.
• Role in the Freedom Struggle: In her childhood, she founded the 'Bal Charkha Sangh' and in 1930, the 'Vanar Sena' of children to help the Congress party during the Non-Cooperation Movement. 

  • She was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement in 1942.

• Contributions:

  • Bank Nationalisation (1969): Indira Gandhi nationalised 14 major banks to expand credit access, support rural development and align banking with social welfare goals.

  • Green Revolution: During Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974), she promoted High Yielding Variety seeds, fertiliser and irrigation subsidies aimed at boosting foodgrain production and helping India achieve food self-sufficiency.

  • 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: Led India’s decisive intervention supporting Mukti Bahini, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh and showcasing India’s geopolitical strength.

  • Abolition of Privy Purses (1971): Ended princely entitlements through the 26th Constitutional Amendment, advancing equality and removing feudal privileges.

  • Strengthening of India’s Nuclear Programme: Oversaw the development of India’s nuclear capability and scientific institutions, including the 1974 Pokhran-I test ("Smiling Buddha").

  • Social Welfare Measures: Launched schemes under the “Garibi Hatao” campaign to target poverty alleviation and expand welfare access.
• National Emergency (1975–1977): Indira Gandhi’s tenure saw the imposition of National Emergency citing “internal disturbances,” during which civil liberties were suspended and the press was censored. 

• Publications: The Years of Challenge (1966–69), The Years of Endeavour (1969–72), India (1975) and Inde (1979). 

• Recognition: She was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1972, along with honours such as the Mexican Academy Award for the Liberation of Bangladesh (1972), the FAO’s Second Annual Medal (1973).

  • She also received the Mother’s Award (US) and the Diploma of Honour from the Argentine Society for Animal Protection (1971), reflecting her international stature.