The Indian subcontinent is known for birthing prolific leaders, who are born with a sword of courage, determination and a vision to change the nation for good. Our India, lovingly called, mother India understands the importance of women in power and position. For generations, women have stood up for themselves, others and the country as a whole. Women like Savitribai Phule, rani Laxmi bai, Kiran Bedi among other paved the way for future generations to withstand any challenges the world – or the patriarchy throws at them and come out stronger than ever.
This women’s day, Telangana tribune salutes and celebrates all the strong, brave women who have stood up for what’s right and continue advocating for change.
Here are 5 Indian political leaders who truly shaped the nation for better.
- Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi was a powerful woman who showed the world what women were capable of. India’s beloved daughter and country’s first and only female prime minister. Not only did she break major barrier in Indian politics, her term in the office is often remembered by her strong leadership during times of conflict, including wars with Pakistan and China.
She implemented various social program aimed at poverty reduction and women empowerment, lovingly remembered as “mother India”, Indira Gandhi is an inspiration to generations of women and has shown us that even with a strong opposition trying to bring you down, with the right amount of will, power and knowledge, women can truly rule the world.
2. Sushma Swaraj
A prominent figure in Bhartiya Janata party, Sushma swaraj served in various roles, from the first female Chief minister of Delhi to a strong, diplomat external affairs minister, Swaraj succeeded in a highly male dominated field inspiring many other women. She was a tough negotiator who was not afraid to stand up for India’s interest. Perhaps her most defining quality was her dedication to serving other people, which earned her the moniker “people’s minister’’ and immense public admiration. She actively used the social media platform, twitter, now known as X and resolved people’s concerns, helping them navigate issues like wrongful detention, medical emergencies and evacuation from conflict zones.
Her legacy goes beyond her diplomatic achievements, she is an inspiration to women to break barriers and stand up not for themselves, but for others as well.
3. Brinda Karat
A strong voice for women’s rights and social justice, Brinda Karat is a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). She has advocated for reforms on issues like domestic violence, reservation for women in legislatures, and rights for marginalized communities. Her consistent efforts have kept these issues on the national agenda.
Karat left her job with air India in London to join the communist movement in India, proving that even in times of conflict, women always stand up as an advocate for others, putting their own lives in danger.
Brinda karat is an epitome of strength and resilience and continues to inspirate generations to support what they feel is right.
4. Mayawati
The voice of the downtrodden, Mayawati worked for the development and upliftment of Dalit community. Known as the most powerful Dalit leader in India, Mayawati held the Chief minister post in Uttar Pradesh four times. Although she belongs to the Jatav caste, Mayawati always used her position and power to support women, fight for reservation and pave the way for women to be strong in their approaches.
5. Nirmala Sitharaman
Currently India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is the first woman to hold this position. She is known for her economic reforms and focus on financial inclusion. Her leadership during a challenging economic period is being closely watched both domestically and internationally.
