10 February,2024 09:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sushma Swaraj. File Pic
Late Sushma Swaraj, a charismatic leader and former External Affairs Minister (EAM) was born on February 14, 1952, in Haryana's Ambala. Her contributions left an indelible mark on the nation. Sushma Swaraj entered politics at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks. A prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she held various crucial positions, showcasing her political acumen and dedication to public service.
Sushma Swaraj made history by becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998. Her leadership skills and commitment to good governance earned her widespread respect. Subsequently, she went on to become the first woman to hold the office of the Minister of External Affairs in India, serving from 2014 to 2019 in the BJP-led government.
Sushma Swaraj, as External Affairs Minister, was instrumental in formulating India's foreign policy. Her meetings with world leaders demonstrated her diplomatic skills and commitment to establishing international ties. She worked relentlessly to raise India's worldwide profile and establish ties based on mutual respect and cooperation.
Under her leadership, Indian foreign policy made substantial progress, with an emphasis on building bilateral ties, fostering economic diplomacy, and raising India's worldwide profile. Swaraj was instrumental in handling complicated geopolitical challenges while representing India's interests on a global scale. One of the most significant milestones of Swaraj's term occurred in 2019 when she declined to run in the Lok Sabha elections due to health concerns. Her choice to step away from electoral politics was met with widespread astonishment and admiration across the political spectrum.
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Sushma Swaraj earned the nickname "People's Minister" due to her approachable and empathic demeanor. Her expert use of social media, notably Twitter, to communicate with and support Indians in crisis overseas was greatly praised. She was essential in assisting the evacuation of Indian nationals from conflict zones and natural disaster-affected areas, gaining her praise from people all throughout the country.
Sushma Swaraj's sudden death on August 6, 2019, created a gap in Indian politics. However, her legacy lives on via her various accomplishments and the principles she established in politics. Her compassion, commitment to public service, and capacity to connect with people from all walks of life continue to inspire future leaders.