"Her story is a story of a woman pushed into the public eye by men, corrupted by power and assasinated by those she should have trusted best". (Sunday Times)
She is revered and despised in equal measures. She is the most recognized Indian in the world after Gandhi himself. Her leadership in the 1971 war was iconic. At the same time, she has been touted as the most controversial Prime Minister of all time. The emergency that she imposed is seen as the biggest spot on the Indian democracy.
So who is she for the generation which knows her only by the archives of the newspapers, books and some documentaries ?
While growing up as child, I had an image of a woman who was hungry for power, who toyed with democracy at her will. An image of someone totally averse to criticism. And it was because my grandfather was jailed during emergency for shouting anti-government slogans and the whole story looked so virtuous and glorious to me.
As I grew up, I came accross new information and facts. The more I get to know about her, the more I was intrigued. Her metamorphosis from a shy young woman to a stolid, imposing and fearsome ruler is spectacular. It was by a sudden chance that she became the Prime Minister and from there on started a dramatic journey of highs and lows.
I respect her for the vision that she uphold for India. She abolished the titles of Maharajas, nationalized the banks and other corporations. Her efforts saw India becoming a nuclear power. She was not averse to taking to any means to further the interests of India inside the coutry as well as else where.
But I am a critic of her pursuit to obtain absolute powers. Her brand of politics was quite opposite to that of her father. She is the one responsible for the dynastic nature of the Indian politics, for the interference of legislature with the judiaciary and bureaucracy. She was the one who led Khalistan grew to increase her control in Punjab and it was this very factor that caused her demise.
And for all these reasons, good or bad, she remanins a legacy to everyone in this country. A legacy named Indira.
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3 comments:
I adored a Indira a lot during my childhood because it was in my hometown where she made a comeback by trouncing her opponents in 1978 by-elections. I grew up with the stories of her unyielding stance against West. I later came to know of her excesses during emergency. May be she should have been more strict with Sanjay. But then she died at 66, not old enough an age for politicians in India. Who knows she could have corrected her mistakes in economic planning as she did with her political follies.
nice post dude!!
Liberty was indeed held at ransom during her 'reign of terror'..
She ruled with an iron-hand to the extent that an 'r' in India became too prominent..
But she must be admired for having sent a message that Indian women are not reduced to doing just household chores and beggeting children..
They can be as comfortable in the 'house' of parliament!!
Looking forward to more from you :)
Keep blogging
Cheers!!
Thanks for visitng the blog..
I am glad that u liked the post :)
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