A consequential leader
Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) served as Prime Minister of India in two tenures (1966–1977 and 1980–1984). The daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, she rose through the Congress organization and became the country's first — and so far only — woman to hold the office.
Decisions
Her tenure was marked by consequential decisions: the 1971 conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh, the Green Revolution that transformed Indian agriculture, the nationalization of banks, and the controversial Emergency of 1975–1977. She was assassinated on 31 October 1984.
Why we honor her
Indira Gandhi's life shows the weight of consequential leadership: the breadth of what is possible, and the discipline required to wield it well.
