About
| Full Name | Sushma Swaraj |
| Real Name | Sushma Sharma |
| Nickname | Sushma |
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1952 |
| Date of Death | August 6, 2019 (Passed away) |
| Birth Place | Ambala, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Qualifications | B.A., LL.B. |
| Father’s Name | Hardev Sharma |
| Mother’s Name | Laxmi Devi |
| Other Family Members | Husband: Swaraj Kaushal |
| Daughter: Bansuri Swaraj | |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Constituency | Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh |
| Career Start Date | The early 1970s |
Biography of Sushma Swaraj:
Early Life and Education: Sushma Swaraj, born on February 14, 1952, in Ambala, Haryana, India, was a prominent Indian politician known for her charismatic leadership and eloquence. Raised in a family with political leanings, she developed a passion for public service from an early age.
Entry into Politics and Ideology: Sushma Swaraj’s journey into politics was shaped by her affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and her alignment with the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She believed in the principles of nationalism, cultural heritage, and service to the nation.
Early Political Career: Her political career began in the 1970s when she joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and became actively involved in student politics. Her dedication and leadership qualities paved the way for her entry into mainstream politics.
School and College Life: Sushma Swaraj completed her education with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts (B.A.) and pursued a degree in Law (LL.B.). Her educational background played a significant role in her understanding of legal and governance matters.
Vision and Leadership: Sushma Swaraj’s vision encompassed the empowerment of women, social justice, and good governance. She was a staunch advocate for the rights and welfare of all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds.
Challenges Faced: Throughout her political journey, Sushma Swaraj faced numerous challenges, including navigating a predominantly male-dominated political arena and addressing complex diplomatic issues during her tenure as Minister of External Affairs.
Achievements:
- Member of Parliament: Sushma Swaraj was elected multiple times as a Member of Parliament from the Vidisha constituency in Madhya Pradesh. Her commitment to her constituents earned her respect and admiration.
- Cabinet Minister: She served in various ministerial roles, including the Minister of External Affairs, where she played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy and enhancing its global standing.
- Promotion of Women’s Empowerment: Sushma Swaraj advocated for women’s empowerment and their active participation in politics and decision-making. She was a source of inspiration for women aspiring to enter public life.
- Effective Orator: Known for her eloquence and powerful speeches, Sushma Swaraj’s oratory skills made her a respected figure on both national and international platforms.
Interesting Facts:
- Sushma Swaraj was the first woman to hold the position of External Affairs Minister of India.
- She was the youngest Cabinet Minister in the Haryana government at the age of 25.
- Swaraj Kaushal, her husband, was a prominent lawyer and politician.
Legacy: Sushma Swaraj’s legacy is that of a dynamic and principled leader who made significant contributions to India’s political landscape and international relations. Her dedication to public service, advocacy for women’s empowerment, and commitment to diplomatic excellence continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Developments & Mega Projected started by “Sushma Swaraj”
Sushma Swaraj’s contributions were primarily in the realm of diplomacy, foreign affairs, and policy-making. While she did not initiate traditional “mega projects,” her tenure as the Minister of External Affairs was marked by strategic initiatives and policies that strengthened India’s global presence and bilateral relations. Here are some notable developments during her leadership:
- Neighbourhood First Policy: Sushma Swaraj emphasized strengthening India’s ties with neighboring countries through the Neighbourhood First Policy, focusing on mutual cooperation, connectivity, and development.
- Act East Policy: She played a crucial role in promoting India’s Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
- Economic Diplomacy: Sushma Swaraj actively engaged in economic diplomacy by promoting investment, trade, and technology partnerships with various countries to foster economic growth.
- Evacuation and Assistance: During her tenure, the Ministry of External Affairs efficiently facilitated the evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict zones and provided assistance to Indians stranded abroad during emergencies.
- Easing Visa Processes: She worked to simplify and expedite the visa application process, making it easier for foreign travelers, professionals, and students to visit India.
- Digital Diplomacy: Sushma Swaraj effectively used social media platforms to address the concerns of Indians living abroad and respond to their requests for assistance.
- Enhancing Global Partnerships: She played a significant role in strengthening India’s partnerships with major global powers and institutions, including the United States, Russia, European Union, and United Nations.
- Diplomatic Outreach: Sushma Swaraj led numerous diplomatic initiatives, including high-level visits, multilateral engagements, and regional dialogues, to foster international cooperation and understanding.
- Track II Diplomacy: She encouraged people-to-people interactions, cultural exchanges, and dialogues with countries to promote understanding and friendship beyond official diplomatic channels.
- Humanitarian Initiatives: Sushma Swaraj was known for her efforts to assist individuals in distress abroad, addressing issues such as repatriation, medical treatment, and rescue operations.
- Global Advocacy: She effectively raised India’s voice on global platforms, advocating for key issues such as climate change, terrorism, sustainable development, and gender equality.
While these initiatives may not fit the traditional definition of “mega projects,” Sushma Swaraj’s strategic leadership in the realm of foreign affairs significantly contributed to India’s diplomatic achievements and global engagement during her tenure as the Minister of External Affairs.
Elections Won by “Sushma Swaraj”
| Year | Constituency | Votes Collected | Winning Margin | Party Name | Opposite Candidate | Opposition Party Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Vidisha | 305,677 | 143,132 | BJP | Raghunandan Sharma | INC |
| 1998 | Vidisha | 451,147 | 282,147 | BJP | Rajkumar Patel | INC |
| 1999 | Vidisha | 544,037 | 305,395 | BJP | Jyotiraditya | INC |
| 2004 | Vidisha | 366,040 | 110,372 | BJP | Govind Goyal | INC |
| 2009 | Vidisha | 573,458 | 360,284 | BJP | Rajkumar Patel | INC |