New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday paid tribute to her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, describing her as a leader who had a compassionate heart, a deep love for her people, a strong commitment to human rights, and an unwavering belief in non-violence.
The Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson said, “As India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi reshaped our country with her policies to reduce poverty, deprivation, conflict, and inequality.”
She commemorated the former Prime Minister’s contributions while presenting the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024 to Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at an event in Delhi.
She said the award, instituted in 1985, “remembers Indira Gandhi’s immense contribution by honoring women, men, and organizations working for social development, peace, sustainability, and many other causes.” Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, described Bachelet as a compassionate leader with a strong commitment to human rights and non-violence, saying that Indira’s legacy continues to inspire many today.
While accepting the award, Bachelet expressed her gratitude and emphasized that peace and progress are linked to human dignity, adding that without human rights, full human development is impossible.
The former Chilean president said, “Let us honor Indira Gandhi’s enduring vision by working together, across countries, generations, and differences, to make peace, equality, and dignity a reality for all.”
Sonia Gandhi praised Bachelet as an inspiring leader whose presidency reformed Chile’s healthcare system, expanded access to primary care, developed policies focused on vulnerable populations, and advanced the rights to health and well-being. She further stated that laws enacted during Bachelet’s tenure helped promote equality, rights, and freedom.
Sonia Gandhi said, “It is an honor for the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust to present the 2024 Indira Gandhi Peace, Disarmament and Development Award to President Michelle Bachelet, who reflects the spirit of Indira Gandhi’s life and work.”
Referring to her work, Sonia Gandhi praised Bachelet, who she said “witnessed loss, persecution, torture, and exile firsthand in her early years.”
Speaking of her mother-in-law, Sonia said, “It is a unique coincidence that both these women were born and raised in difficult times. Their country, their people, their families, and they themselves were victims of slavery. Madame Bachelet returned to Chile, where she faced hardship and also witnessed her country’s transition to democracy.”
Then, commenting on the South American leader’s accomplishments, the Congress leader said, “As a trained medical professional, she worked with the Ministry of Health, later serving as Health Minister in 2000. She continued to break barriers, becoming Chile’s and Latin America’s first female Defense Minister – and making history by being elected President of her country on two separate occasions.”
Recalling Bachelet’s contributions, Sonia explained how “her influence extended beyond the borders of Chile and Latin America when she was appointed the first Director of the UN Women’s Agency in 2010 and later as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
Emphasizing that the Chilean leader’s work has been rooted in efforts to ensure the rights of all, especially women, Sonia recalled her words: “We can no longer ignore the full potential of half the population. The world needs to harness the talent and wisdom of women. Whether it’s food security, economic recovery, health, or peace and security, women’s participation is needed now more than ever.”
Sonia also praised her contributions as president, where “she reformed her country’s healthcare system by improving access to primary care, targeting her government’s policies to vulnerable groups like victims of sexual abuse, and promoting their rights to good health and well-being. She was also responsible for improving the conditions and treatment of women in the military and police forces.”
