Indira Gandhi

Richard Nixon and Indira Gandhi in 1971

Indira Gandhi (19 November 1917 – 31 October 1984) was the first woman to become Prime Minister of India. She is the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, who was also Prime Minister of India. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, also later became Prime Minister of India. Born Indira Nehru, she married Feroze Gandhi, who was not related to the famous civil rights leader, Mahatma Gandhi, who helped India gain freedom.

Indria Gandhi was the first woman prime minister of India. Her father was the prime minister of India. Indira Gandhi was assassinated In 1984 at the age of 66. Indira Nehru Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917 and was the only child of Jawaharlal and Kamala Nehru. Her road to power and politics started when she turned twelve years of age. During the time of British imperialism, many Indian National Congress workers from Allahabad did not know when or if the British would arrest them or search their homes. In 1938, Indira finally joined the Indian National Congress Party, something she always longed to do. Fortunately, India won its independence from Britain in 1947. After Shastri's death in 1966, Indira Gandhi served as prime minister until India held the next election. She won that election, and in 1967, became one of the first women ever elected to lead a democracy.

Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister of India two times. She served the first time between 1966 and 1977 and the second time between 1980 and 1984. She also studied at the University of Oxford.