Sushma Swaraj (1952 – 2019)

1. Early Life & Education:

• Born on 14 February 1952 in Ambala Cantonment, Haryana.
• Studied Political Science and Law at Panjab University, Chandigarh.
• Known for her eloquence and leadership even as a student leader with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

2. Political Career:

• Began her political journey with the Jana Sangh and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its formation in 1980.
• At just 25 years old, she became the youngest Cabinet Minister in Haryana in 1977.
• Served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).

3-Marriage and Family:

• Married Swaraj Kaushal on 13 July 1975.
• Swaraj Kaushal is a noted senior advocate and former Governor of Mizoram, as well as a Supreme Court lawyer.
• The couple had one daughter, Bansuri Swaraj, who is also a practicing lawyer in the Delhi High Court.
• The family was known for being close-knit, deeply intellectual, and supportive of each other’s work.

4-Personal Traits & Lifestyle:

• Deeply spiritual and a follower of Hindu traditions, yet modern in outlook.
• A vegetarian, known for her simplicity and empathy.
• She often balanced her demanding political life with devotion to her family, earning admiration for maintaining both dignity and warmth in public life.

5. Major Roles:

• Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (1996, 1998) – modernized government communication and promoted Indian cinema.
• First woman Chief Minister of Delhi (briefly in 1998).
• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (2009–2014) – respected across party lines for her articulate debates.
• External Affairs Minister (2014–2019) under PM Narendra Modi — became widely admired for her humane and prompt responses to citizens’ issues abroad via Twitter.

6. Personality & Legacy:

• Known for her oratory, compassion, and accessibility — she connected directly with people on social media.
• Played a key role in strengthening India’s foreign diplomacy and diaspora engagement.
• Passed away on 6 August 2019 due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of service, dignity, and grace in politics.

Famous for:                  

“Main aapki behen hoon, aapka saath kabhi nahi chhodungi.” — symbolizing her warmth and empathy.