Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Profession: Indian Politician and Diplomat

Nationality:

Biography: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit played a key role in India's independence movement and went on to have a distinguished career in politics and international relations.

She was born into a prominent political family in 1900. Her father, Motilal Nehru, was a leading figure in the Indian National Congress, and her brother Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India. Pandit became involved in the independence movement at a young age and was imprisoned several times for her participation in protests and campaigns.

In 1937, Pandit became the first Indian woman to hold a cabinet post in pre-independent India, serving as minister of local self-government and public health in the United Provinces. She was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1946 and took part in shaping India's constitution.

After India gained independence in 1947, Pandit entered the diplomatic service. She served as India's ambassador to the Soviet Union, the United States, Mexico, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Spain. In 1953, she became the first woman to serve as President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Pandit also had a notable political career in India. She served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 1962 to 1964 and was elected to the Indian Parliament, representing the Phulpur constituency from 1964 to 1968. During the 1970s, she was a vocal critic of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, her niece, particularly during the Emergency period.

Pandit was a strong advocate for women's rights throughout her life. After being widowed in 1944, she experienced the challenges faced by Hindu widows under Indian inheritance laws and campaigned for reforms.

Pandit retired from public life in the late 1970s but remained an influential figure.

Born: August 18, 1900
Birthplace: Allahabad, India

Generation: Lost Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo

Died: December 1, 1990 (aged 90)