Nation Remembers Indira Gandhi on 108th Birth Anniversary
India commemorated the 108th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on Wednesday, with political leaders across party lines paying heartfelt tributes to the country's first female prime minister. The occasion saw solemn ceremonies and respectful remembrances honoring the legacy of the influential leader.
Congress Leaders Lead Tributes at Memorial Site
The Congress party organized a significant tribute ceremony at Shakti Sthal, Indira Gandhi's memorial site in New Delhi. Senior party leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited the memorial to offer floral tributes and pay their respects to the late leader.
In a powerful social media post, the Congress party celebrated Indira Gandhi's enduring legacy, stating: "On her birth anniversary, we honour Indira ji's fearless leadership, decisive vision and unwavering commitment to India's progress. From the Green Revolution to the liberation of Bangladesh, her bold leadership shaped a strong, self-reliant nation that bowed to no superpower."
Cross-Political Recognition of Leadership Legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in paying respects to the former prime minister, demonstrating the cross-political recognition of her contributions to the nation. In his tribute on social media platform X, Modi wrote: "Tributes to former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on the occasion of her birth anniversary."
Indira Gandhi, born on November 19, 1917, served as India's prime minister in two significant terms: from January 1966 to March 1977, and again from January 1980 until her assassination on October 31, 1984. Her leadership during crucial periods in India's history earned her the title 'Iron Lady of India'.
Nationwide Commemorative Events
Across the country, citizens participated in various events to honor the former prime minister's memory. According to video footage shared by news agency PTI, numerous people gathered at Shakti Sthal throughout the day to pay their personal tributes.
In Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, the 40th Indira Marathon was flagged off early Wednesday morning, continuing a decades-long tradition of commemorating her birth anniversary through public participation events. The marathon represents one of many community-driven initiatives that keep her memory alive among the people.
The widespread participation in tribute events across different states demonstrates the lasting impact of Indira Gandhi's leadership on the Indian political landscape and public consciousness, even decades after her passing.
