Sushma Swaraj Birth Anniversary 2024: Remembering the 'Twitter Minister'

Sushma Swaraj/ File Photo

Sushma Swaraj, India's former minister of External Affairs, was born on February 14. As India prepares to honour the late Sushma Swaraj on her birth anniversary, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the incredible journey of this legendary woman who made an indelible mark on Indian politics and diplomacy.

Sushma Swaraj's political career exemplified her continuous devotion to public service. Born on February 14, 1952, in Ambala, Haryana, she started politics at an early age, motivated by her ideological beliefs and a desire to contribute to the country's progress.

Swaraj's political career was punctuated by various milestones, including her appointment as the youngest Cabinet Minister in the Haryana government at the age of 25. Her climb through the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ranks was rapid, and she handled a variety of ministerial responsibilities at both the state and national levels.

IN PHOTOS: Delhi gears up for G20 summit

1 year agoPHOTO GALLERY

However, her term as Minister of External Affairs from 2014 to 2019 cemented her reputation as a skillful diplomat and compassionate leader. Swaraj's tenure was distinguished by aggressive diplomacy and an active attitude to resolving the issues of Indian nationals abroad. She was dubbed the "Twitter Minister" after her rapid and effective response to distress cries on social media.

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.

Despite her great career, Sushma Swaraj faced criticism. As a prominent woman in Indian politics, she experienced scrutiny and criticism from a variety of sources. However, her resilience and elegance in the face of criticism were admirable. Swaraj stood firm on her ideals and never wavered in her dedication to serving the nation.

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.

Sushma Swaraj's abrupt death on August 6, 2019, created a void in Indian politics that is still felt today. Her legacy continues to inspire future politicians and diplomats, reminding them of the need for integrity, compassion, and statesmanship.