I was 16 when Feroze proposed me: Indira Gandhi

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi was an Indian stateswoman and central figure of the Indian National Congress. She was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India. There are many aspects of her life that we are not known to. She is known for her powerful personality all over the world.

In an interview, she said,”I was 13-14 years old when I first saw Feroze. When he proposed me I was 16-year old. He continued to propose me till I didn’t agree. Feroz was the only man in my life. I have taken great care of my children and I’ve never let anyone touch them. I have faced many difficulties in my life. I believe that you can share your happiness with others but not agony. You have to handle that alone. I think I have handled myself completely alone.

I could not make any friends because I was so busy with freedom fighting and politics. I never felt like a normal teenager. I had only cousins, who were boys. I had a few female friends in school, but I really hated the gossip. I liked games that included climbing trees.

I never dreamt that I could be the head of the country. Whatever I am is because of my father. People keep learning many things from many people at many stages of life. In the same way, I learnt many things from many people. For me, whoever fought for independence, were my true heroes. I was only 19 when my mother died.”