Born on February 14, 1952, in Ambala, Haryana, Sushma Swaraj remains one of India's most influential women leaders. From serving as India’s Foreign Minister to winning Lok Sabha elections from Delhi to Vidisha, she left an indelible mark on Indian politics.

Here’s a look at some key milestones and remarkable stories from her inspirational journey.

Early Life & Political Influence

• Sushma Swaraj's father was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and she was deeply influenced by the Sangh from childhood.
• As a student leader, she earned recognition as a powerful speaker, making her one of the most popular leaders after Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Her political rise began during the Emergency (1975-77), where she played a crucial role in anti-government movements.

Sushma Swaraj's Role in Muzaffarpur: A Political Revolution

During the Emergency, socialist leader George Fernandes was jailed in Muzaffarpur under the Baroda Dynamite Case.

• Sushma’s husband, Swaraj Kaushal, was George Fernandes' lawyer, and this connected Sushma with his defense team.
• In 1976, when George Fernandes contested elections from jail, Sushma led his campaign.
• She popularized the slogan:

"Jail ka taala tootega, George hamara chhutega!" (The prison lock will break, George will be free!)

• Fernandes won the election from jail, and Sushma gained national prominence as a fearless leader.

Youngest Cabinet Minister at 25

• In 1977, at just 25 years old, Sushma became the youngest-ever Cabinet Minister in Haryana, holding the Labour Ministry.
• By 1979, she became the President of the Haryana Janata Party.
• She later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1980s and rapidly rose in national politics.

Key Contributions as a Union Minister

1. Live Telecast of Parliamentary Debates

• In 1996, as the Information & Broadcasting Minister, she introduced the live telecast of Parliament debates, a practice that continues to this day.

2. Giving Bollywood ‘Industry’ Status

• During her tenure, she granted Bollywood ‘industry status’, making it easier for:
  • Filmmakers to secure bank loans.
  • Common people to enter the film industry.

Winning Elections from 5 Different States

Sushma Swaraj was elected to Parliament seven times, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) from five different states:

• She contested against Sonia Gandhi in Karnataka but lost the election.
• Despite this, her pan-India appeal made her a respected national leader.