Remembering Sushma Swaraj: A Voice of the People, A Legacy of Grace

By Amit Kumar

On 6 August 2019, India lost one of its most beloved and respected leaders, Sushma Swaraj. A
stateswoman of exceptional intellect, compassion, and political acumen, she left behind a legacy
that continues to inspire generations of leaders, particularly women in public life.

Swaraj, who passed away due to cardiac arrest at the age of 67, was a senior leader of the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served the country in various capacities throughout her career.
From becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Haryana at just 25, to being the first female Chief
Minister of Delhi, and later India’s Minister of External Affairs, she broke barriers and redefined
leadership with her clarity, courage, and charisma.

As the Minister of External Affairs from 2014 to 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
government, Swaraj emerged as a people’s diplomat. She used social media as a powerful tool for
direct communication and assistance, often helping distressed Indians abroad with timely and
decisive action. Whether it was rescuing nurses from war-torn Iraq or helping an Indian stranded in
a foreign land, Swaraj became a symbol of responsive governance.

Her speeches, particularly her address at the United Nations General Assembly, reflected India’s
strength, heritage, and global vision. Fluent in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English, she represented India’s
civilizational pride on the world stage with unmatched grace.

Even as health issues led her to step back from active politics in 2019, her influence remained
unshaken. She chose not to contest the general elections that year, citing her need to recover from
a kidney transplant and avoid infections. Her decision was met with admiration and respect,
characteristic of the dignified manner in which she led her life.

Posthumously, she was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 2020 for her invaluable
contribution to public affairs, a fitting tribute to a life lived in service of the nation.
Today, on her death anniversary, we do not just mourn her passing, we celebrate the life of a
leader who remained accessible, empathetic, and unwaveringly committed to the ideals of public
service. Sushma Swaraj was not just a politician; she was a beacon of hope, humanity, and
statesmanship