Celebrating Indira, the woman

Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since Indira Gandhi’s death. Yet images of her live vividly in the collective memory of millions of people. For all those who grew up seeing her picture on the front pages on national dailies or listening to her speeches on television, first as the prime minister's daughter, then as prime minister herself, will recall her indefinable aura. (AFP Photo)

Shy yet fiesty, with sense of calm and a veil of mystery --- Indira did not appear cut out for the rough and tumble of political life. Yet, within a few years, she became politically dominant and a global icon. (AFP Photo)

Special: Remembering Indira, 25 years later

As the daughter of Jawaharlal and Kamala Nehru, she had inherited the freedom movement. Separated frequently from her imprisoned parents, young Indira had to cope with circumstances that often left her in the midst of extreme loneliness. (AFP Photo)

But the loneliness perhaps was what fostered inner strength.

Indira's primary strength lay in her ability to connect with the poor. It was Indira Gandhi who first introduced anti-poverty programmes, reaching out to the poorest and most destitute. (AFP Photo)

She was a rare combination of international glamour and political courage. (AFP Photo)

 Special: Remembering Indira, 25 years later

She had an innate sense of beauty and elegance. A gifted linguist who spoke several languages. (Image: Pressbrief.in)

Special: Remembering Indira, 25 years later

Unlike her own childhood, most of which was spent in loneliness, Indira shared a special bond with her children in their growing up years. (Image: pressbrief.in)

An enduring mother, Indira Gandhi seen here with her two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay. (AFP Photo) 

Special: Remembering Indira, 25 years later

The world remembers her as a tough leader. But for her grandchildren, Rahul and Priyanka, she was a “gentle and sweet” grandmother. (Image: Pressbrief.in)

A style icon and a symbol of grace- it was during the time of Indira Gandhi that handloom got its first big boost through revival projects.

Her exquisite handloom saris did much to promote indigenous textiles.(AFP Photo)

A woman of varied interests, Indira loved books, music, theatre and the creative arts.  (AFP Photo)