Sushma Swaraj

Secretary Tillerson is Greeted by Indian Minister of External Affairs Swaraj (24074726498) (cropped)

Sushma Swaraj (14 February 1952 – 6 August 2019) was an influential Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She served as the Minister of External Affairs in the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from May 2014 to May 2019. Swaraj was the second woman to hold the office, after Indira Gandhi. Her tenure was marked by a significant improvement in the Indian diplomatic outreach and a boost in the foreign relations of India with several countries around the globe.

Early Life and Education

Sushma Swaraj was born in Ambala Cantt, Haryana, into a prominent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh family. She completed her bachelor's degree in Sanskrit and Political Science from Sanatan Dharma College in Ambala. She then pursued a law degree at Punjab University, Chandigarh, where she was an excellent student. Swaraj's interest in politics was sparked during her college days, leading her to join the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the BJP.

Political Career

Swaraj began her political career with the Haryana Legislative Assembly in 1977, becoming the youngest cabinet minister at the age of 25 in the Haryana government. She had a long and distinguished career in Indian politics, holding various positions, including Chief Minister of Delhi for a brief period in 1998. Swaraj was known for her oratory skills and was a prominent face of the BJP in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, the two houses of India's Parliament.

Throughout her career, Swaraj was a pioneer for women in Indian politics. She was the first female Chief Minister of Delhi, and during her tenure as the Minister of External Affairs, she was known for her hands-on approach to addressing issues related to the Indian diaspora. She was instrumental in the rescue of numerous Indians stranded abroad and made use of social media platforms, especially Twitter, to provide prompt responses to calls for help.

Legacy

Sushma Swaraj's legacy is marked by her empathetic approach to diplomacy and her efforts to bring the Indian community closer to its homeland. Her tenure as the Minister of External Affairs is noted for its human touch, where she personally intervened in many cases to assist Indians abroad, earning her widespread admiration both nationally and internationally.

Swaraj passed away on 6 August 2019, leaving behind a legacy of a politician who was deeply loved and respected across party lines. Her contributions to Indian politics and her role in enhancing India's foreign relations have been widely acknowledged.

See Also

• Bharatiya Janata Party
• Narendra Modi
• Ministry of External Affairs (India)
• Women in Indian politics