Indira Gandhi's Strange Marriage

Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India, was known for her strong leadership, political acumen, and tough personality. But few people today remember the strange marriage that she had, which was an unusual combination of politics and personal life.

Indira Gandhi's marriage to Feroze Gandhi was a strange one, to say the least. The two met in London, where Indira was studying at Oxford University, and Feroze was working as a journalist. Despite being from two different worlds, with Indira being the daughter of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Feroze being a Parsi from a relatively unknown family, the two fell in love and got married in 1942.

The marriage was controversial from the start. Feroze Gandhi was not of the same status or background as Indira, and his name was not even of Indian origin. Some members of Nehru's family were opposed to the marriage, and Nehru himself was initially reluctant to give his blessings. However, Indira was determined to marry Feroze, and eventually won over her father's approval.

The marriage was also complicated by Feroze's political activism. He was known for his outspoken criticism of the government, and his advocacy for the rights of workers and farmers. This put him at odds with Indira's family, who were part of the ruling Congress party. Nevertheless, Indira supported Feroze's activism, and even joined him in his protests on several occasions.

In 1950, Feroze was elected to the Indian Parliament, representing the Rae Bareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh. This was a significant achievement, as he was one of the few politicians who were not from a wealthy or influential background. Feroze continued to use his political platform to champion the causes of workers and farmers, and was known for his fiery speeches against corruption and nepotism.

The marriage faced another hurdle when Indira's mother, Kamala Nehru, passed away in 1936. This was a tragic event for Indira, who was very close to her mother. Feroze, who also had a troubled relationship with his own parents, became a source of comfort and support for Indira during this difficult time.

Despite the controversies and challenges, Indira and Feroze had a strong marriage that lasted until Feroze's death in 1960. During this time, Indira bore two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay, who would later become prominent politicians in their own right. Feroze's death was a devastating blow to Indira, and some say that it changed her in many ways. She became more cautious and calculating in her approach to politics, and relied heavily on her trusted advisors and allies.

In conclusion, Indira Gandhi's marriage to Feroze Gandhi was a strange and unconventional one. It defied social norms and conventions, and was marked by controversy and opposition from some quarters. Nevertheless, the marriage was a testament to the couple's love and commitment to each other, and their shared ideals of social justice and equality. Today, the legacy of Indira and Feroze Gandhi lives on through their children and grandchildren, who continue to make their mark in Indian politics and public life.