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Source-Times Of India |
“ Winning and losing the election is less important than strengthening the country.” - Indira Gandhi
About Indira Gandhi
Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi Nehru also the Iron Lady of India was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as the third prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was India’s only female prime minister.
She was the central figure of Indian National Congress. She served India after the death of Lala Bahadur Shastri. Indira was the daughter of Jawarharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. She is the longest serving prime minister after her father, who held the post for 17 years post independence.
Indira Gandhi is remembered for her contribution in India’s growth and development, as well as she still remains a controversial subject matter for people.
Her decision of Emergency (1975-1977) and her alienation of the Sikh community following “Operation Blue Star” became a controversial topic.
The consequence faced by her for these actions was her death. She was shot by two of her bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh.
Every political body has both haters and supporters.
DSo did Indira Gandhi. She is still liked by many of her fans for her significant role in the development of India. Many of her decisions still are in effect.
Major Contributions Towards India
1) Nationalization of Banks
On July 19, 1969 the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi declared nationalization of 14 private banks. This decision was significant for India’s growth in economy. It was to nationalize 85% of the bank deposits in the country.
Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, UCO Bank, Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank, Canara bank, United Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, Allahabad Bank, Syndicate Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Indian Overseas Bank were the 14 banks that were nationalized.
This was a socialist decision taken by Indira. She did not want a few people to grab the hold of society. By nationalizing banks, she was trying to provide credit facilities for the rural sector, agriculture, small industries and exports which the private sector failed to provide.
From 1951 to 1968, the industry ‘s share in bank loans had nearly doubled to 68%. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector received only 25 bank loans.
Nationalization of Banks helped her in the elections in 1971.
2) The Green Revolution
The Green Revolution in India started in the 1960s. The only reason why India is self-sufficient in food grains is because of the implementation of the Green Revolution.
The scientists were encouraged to collaborate with international counterparts. The farmers were provided with better technology such as High Yielding Variety (HYV seeds), irrigation facilities, fertilizers and pesticides to produce more crops.
This resulted as a benefit for farmers. The Green Revolution commenced in 1968, majorly in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Some farmers criticized it as many were not able to afford the high cost of HYV seeds.
3) Operation Smiling Buddha
Operation Smiling Buddha was conducted on May 18, 1974 under the supervision of Raja Ramanna, who was the director of India’s premier nuclear research institute Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
The name of this test of Smiling Buddha because it was conducted on Buddha Purnima that year. India became the first country outside the five permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members to conduct the test.
In this operation, a thermonuclear device was tested in the Pokhran firing range. Operation Smiling Buddha gained international attention for its successful achievement. After China, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, France and the United States, India was the first country to conduct this test.
After the test was successful, Dr. Ramanna told the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that “The Buddha has smiled.”
4) Foreign Policies
During the Indira Gandhi premiership, the foreign policy of India was implemented between 1967 and 1977.
Its main focus was to improve the security, by fighting militants abroad and strengthening border defenses. Indira Gandhi once said, "A country’s policy is shaped by many forces- its position on the map, and the countries which are its neighbors, the policies they adopt, and the actions they take, as well as its historical experiences in aggregate and in terms of its particular or traumas.”
Indira Gandhi played an important role in improving the Indian economy, which was destroyed by the British government. During her three decades tenure, she took many major and controversial decisions out of which many proved to be positive for our economy.
She made many tough decisions which many political leaders would be scared of doing. Let us appreciate her and India’s achievements in these past years.
Written by: Radhika Agrawal
Edited by : Akshita Bist
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