She was a lioness that empowered and emancipated women across the Asian continent. Indira brought change and hope to a post-independence generation who were feeling disillusioned and alienated from their leaders and a society dominated by upper castes, the wealthy and big businesses raping the country. As Prime Minister she gave a voice to the young, the marginalised, peasants and the landless and the lower castes.

She wasn’t without her authoritarian streak but, as Prime Minister, she changed India’s society and political history, and dared to progress Indian society in the face of what looked like insurmountable challenges.

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