‘Example of courage and love’: Rahul Gandhi shares childhood picture with grandma Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary

NEW DELHI: The Congress party leaders, including Kharge, and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, paid homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting childhood photos with his grandmother alongside a message reflecting her influence on his life

“Grandma was an example of both courage and love. It is from her that I have learned the real strength is to fearlessly walk on the path of national interest. Her memories are my strength, which always shows me the way,” he wrote on X.

— RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi)

Indira Gandhi served as India’s first and only female prime minister. Her tenure spanned two terms—from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in 1984—making her the second-longest-serving Prime Minister after her father Nehru.

Known for her bold leadership, she introduced transformative economic and social reforms, including the nationalization of banks and the abolition of privy purses for princely states. She was also instrumental in key national security decisions, such as the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

However, her decision to order Operation Bluestar—a military action to confront Sikh separatists at Amritsar’s Golden Temple—led to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, at her Akbar Road residence.

Congress leaders remember the ‘Iron Lady of India’

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute, describing Gandhi as the “Iron Lady of India.” In a post on X, he highlighted her lifelong dedication to the nation.

— kharge (@kharge)

“Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of ‘Iron Lady of India,’ Indira Gandhi, for she was the epitome of lifelong struggle, courage, and dynamic leadership. She sacrificed her life to preserve the unity and integrity of India. Our humble homage on her birth anniversary,” he wrote.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called Gandhi an “extraordinary woman who not only lived through history but shaped it.” He recalled her frequent reference to her grandfather’s advice: “There are those who work, and there are those who claim credit; try to be in the first group since there is far less competition there.”

— Jairam_Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh)

Ramesh praised her as a tireless worker who focused on results rather than recognition.

Courtesy : TOI

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