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New Delhi, Nov 19 (IANS) Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday paid an emotional tribute to her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi, describing her as a leader with a kind heart, deep love for her people, deep commitment to human rights and unwavering belief in non-violence.
“As India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi reshaped our country with her policies dedicated to ameliorating poverty, deprivation, conflict and inequality,” the Congress Parliamentary Party president said.
He recalled the contributions of the former Prime Minister while presenting the Indira Gandhi Prize 2024 for Peace, Disarmament and Development to Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at an event in Delhi.
The award, instituted in 1985, “remembers the monumental contributions of Indira Gandhi by celebrating women, men and institutions working towards social development, peace, stability and many other causes,” he said.
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 and said that Indira’s legacy continues to inspire many people.
In her acceptance remarks, Bachelet expressed deep gratitude for the award and stressed that peace and progress are inseparable from human dignity, arguing 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 to create peace, equality and dignified realities for all, regardless of countries, generations and differences.”
Sonia Gandhi praised Bachelet as an inspiring leader, whose presidency led to reforms of Chile’s healthcare system, expanded primary care access, policies focused on vulnerable populations, and advanced access to health and welfare. He said laws enacted during Bachelet’s tenure helped promote equality, rights and freedoms.
Sonia Gandhi said, “It is an honor for the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust to present the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to President Michelle Bachelet, who embodies the spirit of Indira Gandhi’s life and work.”
Referring to her work, Sonia Gandhi praised Bachelet, who noted that she “witnessed loss, oppression, torture and exile firsthand in her early years”.
Describing her mother-in-law, Sonia said, “It is a remarkable coincidence that both of these women were born and raised in a time of conflict. Their country, their people, their family, and they themselves were victims of subjugation. Madame Bachelet found her way back to Chile in the face of setbacks and also saw her country transition to democracy.”
Then, commenting on the South American leader’s accomplishments, the congressman pointed out, “As a trained medical professional, she worked with the Ministry of Health, later serving as Minister of Health in 2000. She continued to break barriers, becoming Chile and Latin America’s first female defense minister – and made history when she was elected president of her country on two separate occasions.”
Recalling Bachelet’s contributions, Sonia noted how “her influence extended beyond the borders of Chile and Latin America when she was appointed as the first Director of the UN Women agency in 2010 and later as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights”.
Emphasizing that the work of the Chilean leader lies in efforts to ensure the rights of all, especially women, Sonia recalled his words, “We can no longer afford to deny the full potential of half of the population. The world needs to harness the talents and knowledge of women. Whether the issue is food security, economic recovery, health or peace and security, women’s participation is now more essential than ever.”
Sonia also praised her contributions as President, where “she improved her country’s health care system by improving access to primary care facilities, targeting her government’s policies towards vulnerable groups such as 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.”
–IANS
JB/UK