Sushma Swaraj was a prominent Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one of the two major political parties in India. She was born on February 14, 1952, in Ambala, Haryana, and passed away on August 6, 2019, in New Delhi.
Swaraj was a lawyer by profession, and she began her political career in the 1970s as a student leader associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization that is closely aligned with the BJP. She was elected to the Haryana Legislative Assembly in 1977 at the age of 25, becoming the youngest-ever legislator in the country at the time.
Swaraj went on to serve as a member of parliament for several terms, representing various constituencies in Haryana and Delhi. She was also the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi, serving from 1998 to 1999. During her tenure, she implemented several reforms in the areas of education, health, and social welfare.
Swaraj was known for her eloquence, wit, and political acumen. She was a gifted orator and was often called upon to represent the BJP on national television debates. She was also respected across party lines for her courteous demeanor and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
In 2014, Swaraj was appointed as India’s Minister of External Affairs, a position she held until 2019. As the country’s top diplomat, she played a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy, particularly in the areas of regional connectivity, economic diplomacy, and the welfare of Indian citizens living abroad.
Under Swaraj’s leadership, India’s foreign policy shifted towards greater engagement with the world. She played a crucial role in strengthening ties with key global players, such as the United States, China, and Russia. She also focused on improving India’s relations with its immediate neighbors, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Swaraj was widely praised for her efforts to help Indian citizens in distress abroad. She was known for her active presence on social media, where she would often respond to tweets and messages from Indians living abroad who were facing issues related to visas, passports, or other legal matters. Swaraj was instrumental in evacuating thousands of Indian nationals from conflict zones around the world, including Yemen and Libya.
Swaraj’s contributions to Indian politics were recognized with several awards and honors. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2019, posthumously.
In conclusion, Sushma Swaraj was a prominent Indian politician who made significant contributions to the country’s political and diplomatic landscape. Her legacy is one of leadership, courage, and compassion, and she will be remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired millions of Indians, especially women, to pursue their dreams and aspirations.