“I am a daughter, a mother, a leader — and above all, I am a woman who believes in change.”
In the corridors of power, where voices often rise to dominate, hers was calm — yet it thundered. Sushma Swaraj wasn’t just a leader. She was a symbol — of dignity, resolve, compassion, and relentless commitment to the cause of women empowerment in India.
Table of Contents
In Memories, Always🙏
I still remember my childhood days, coming back home from school, switching on Doordarshan, and seeing her — a bold, graceful woman in a saree, standing tall in Parliament, voice unwavering, confidently debating in Parliament in exceptionally fluent, powerful, and deeply rooted Hindi language showing cultural richness. The screen read “Sushma Swaraj.” Watching her on TV always stirred something deep within me — a sense of pride, strength, and silent inspiration that stayed long after the screen faded. For a young girl, it was powerful to witness a woman command the room with such strength and dignity. Sushma ji became more than a name — she became an inspiration, a role model for countless daughters of India.
🕵️♀️ Birth and Early Life
- Born: 14 February 1952, Ambala Cantt, Haryana, India
- Father: Hardev Sharma, a prominent RSS member
- Education:
- Bachelor’s in Sanskrit and Political Science from Sanatan Dharma College, Ambala
- LL.B. from Punjab University, Chandigarh
- Best Hindi Speaker award, twice, from Haryana government
From a young age, Sushma showed excellence in academics, debate, and social responsibility. Her oratory and clarity of thought made her stand out even before entering public life.
A Trailblazer in Politics: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Sushma Swaraj’s political journey began at a time when women in Indian politics were rare. At just 25, she became the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government. She didn’t stop there. From being the first woman spokesperson of a national political party to India’s second woman External Affairs Minister, her path was one of many firsts — shattering stereotypes every step of the way.
Her leadership was not loud, but graceful and powerful — a proof that strength doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it simply stands tall with integrity.
Making Women’s Voices Heard, Worldwide
As External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj brought a human touch to diplomacy. Her presence on Twitter wasn’t just a political strategy — it was a lifeline for thousands of Indians abroad, especially women trapped in abusive marriages or stranded in foreign lands.
She personally intervened in hundreds of such cases, making the Ministry of External Affairs a symbol of hope. Women knew — if no one else listened, Sushma Swaraj would.
Here are two real and powerful stories showcasing Sushma Swaraj’s deep compassion & commitment to women empowerment:
🌍 1. Saving Indian Women Abroad – The “Mother of NRI Distressed Women”
Sushma Swaraj, during her tenure as External Affairs Minister, became a beacon of hope for countless Indian women trapped in abusive marriages abroad.
One such case was of an Indian woman in Saudi Arabia, who had been locked up and beaten by her employer. When her desperate family tweeted to Sushma Swaraj, she personally intervened, directing the Indian embassy to act swiftly. The woman was rescued and flown back home.
Sukhwant Kaur — Trafficked and Forced into Slavery
Also in 2017, Sukhwant Kaur, a 55-year-old woman from Jalandhar, was similarly tricked by agents into going to Saudi Arabia. She ended up working as a slave laborer—denied wages, beaten, and locked away. Her husband sought help from the Indian government, and Sushma Swaraj personally intervened. In under days, Sukhwant was back home—safe and reunited with her family. She sent thanks message to Sushma Swaraj.
🔸 Impact: She restored dignity and safety for women across borders, treating every call for help like a personal mission.
Swaraj once said, “Even if you are stuck on Mars, the Indian Embassy will help you.”
🛂 2. Fast-tracking Visa for a Pakistani Girl’s Medical Emergency
In 2017, Sushma Swaraj approved a medical visa for a 7-year-old Pakistani girl, who needed urgent heart surgery in India.
Despite rising tensions between India and Pakistan, she said,
“The child should not suffer because of the political situation. We will issue the visa.”
🔸 Message: Through this act of compassion, she showed how true empowerment transcends borders, politics, and prejudice. Her leadership taught women to lead with both strength and empathy.
Her Fight for Equality and Dignity
Sushma Swaraj wasn’t a loud feminist. She didn’t need to be. Her actions spoke louder. She championed:
- Women’s education and representation
- Safety and dignity for Indian women abroad
- Stronger laws to support women in distress
- Equal opportunity in public leadership
She was a living example that women don’t need to prove they are equal — they already are. What they need is space, support, and opportunity — and she dedicated her career to creating that.
A Woman of Grace, Grit & Compassion
Even in heated political debates, Sushma Swaraj held herself with unmatched grace. She earned respect across party lines, a rare quality in today’s divisive political climate. She was not just a politician; she was a mentor, a mother figure, and a torchbearer for thousands of young Indian women who now dream bigger because of her.
Her Legacy: Lighting the Way for Tomorrow’s Women
Sushma Swaraj’s story tells us:
- You can lead with compassion and still be strong.
- You can be assertive without being aggressive.
- And you can change the world not just by laws, but with empathy and courage.
In her memory, countless women rise — not with anger, but with purpose. To speak, to serve, to lead.
🎯 Achievements & Contributions
🔹 External Affairs Minister (2014–2019)
- Widely respected for her swift humanitarian response, especially through Twitter.
- Rescued thousands of Indians abroad in crisis situations, including from:
- Yemen during civil war
- Middle East in domestic violence and job scams
- Pakistan for cross-border humanitarian visas
🔹 Women’s Empowerment
- Promoted gender representation in governance
- Mentored young women leaders
- Stood up for victims of domestic violence, dowry harassment, and trafficking
🔹 Media & Communication
- Revamped Doordarshan, launched FM radio in India as I&B Minister
- Advocated for freedom of the press and ethical journalism
Challenges Faced
- Bellary defeat (1999) against Sonia Gandhi, despite valiant campaign in just 12 days.
- Health struggles in later years, including a kidney transplant in 2016
- Navigated politics in a male-dominated environment, overcoming gender bias with dignity
💕 Personal Life
- Husband: Swaraj Kaushal, a prominent lawyer and former Governor of Mizoram
- Daughter: Bansuri Swaraj, a lawyer
🕊️ Awards & Honors
- Outstanding Parliamentarian Award (2004)
- Posthumously awarded Padma Vibhushan (2020) – India’s second-highest civilian award
🌼 Final Tribute
On 06 Augest, 2019, Sushma Swaraj breathed her last with the nation on her mind and duty in her heart. Even in her final hours, she stood as a pillar of service—her soul departing in silent dedication to the people she served all her life.
Sushma Swaraj wasn’t just a politician — she was a symbol of what women in leadership can be: ethical, effective, and empathetic.
She inspired millions of women to step forward, speak up, and lead with courage and compassion.
🌸 “She Spoke, and the Nation Listened” 🌸
— A Tribute to Sushma Swaraj
She wore her saree like armor bright,
With grace that calmed and strength so light.
A voice of courage, calm and clear,
She spoke — and millions rose to cheer.
Not just a leader, but a guiding flame,
In halls of power, she carved her name.
Where silence fell, her words would rise,
A daughter of Bharat, bold and wise.
She held the truth like sacred art,
With strength in soul and lion’s heart.
For every girl who dared to dream,
She became the light, the living stream.
She walked with purpose, heart so wide,
For every woman silenced or denied.
She didn’t just rise — she reached behind,
To lift the broken, the lost, the blind.
Through trials faced and glass ceilings torn,
A warrior of dignity, quietly born.
Now stars above may claim her grace,
But her fire still burns in every place.
💬 A Quote to Remember
“Empowering women is not a slogan. It’s a duty, a commitment to our future.” – Sushma Swaraj
Call to Action:
She rose… so can you.
Every woman holds the fire to transform her pain into power, her silence into strength.
Stand tall. Speak up. Lift another.
Because when one woman rises, she takes a hundred more with her.
Be the spark. Be the change. Empower one, empower all.
Read our tribute to women warriors here.
Reference – Biograpghy of Sushma Swaraj.