Gandhi
was born November 19, 1917, in Allahabad, India, to Jawaharlal
and Kamala Nehru. Her life was drastically changed in 1919 when
her wealthy and prominent family was visited by Mohandas Gandhi,
the pacifist leader of the Indian freedom movement. Recently returned
from exile in South Africa, he converted her parents to the cause
of Indian independence Constant meetings and the frequent absence
of Gandhi's parents deprived her of a normal childhood. Though she
was spoiled by her grandfather Motilal, Gandhi later recalled she
felt "insecure." She was four years old when her father
and grandfather were first jailed for their activities, then the
jailings, which also included her mother, became frequent.
Shows
independent spirit
Because
of the insecurities of her childhood Gandhi hardened herself and
resolved not to be hurt, as her mother had been, She grew up as
a solemn, precocious child whose games were related to the fight
against Britain. For example, at age 11 she organized the
Monkey Brigade. Imitating the Monkey army in the epic Indian story
Ramayana, While she was in school in Poona in the 1930s
She once commented that Gandhi "was always present in my
life; he played an enormous role in my development.
SYMBOL
FOR WOMEN AND THE THIRD WORLD
India
had been ruled by England for over a century prior to its independence
in 1947. While the British had built many roads, schools, and hospitals,
they had also acted as a superior colonial power. The Indians greatly
resented British control. The organized struggle for freedom began
early in this century and grew until after World War II, which ended
in 1945, when the British finally realized they could no longer
hold India. The ascension of a woman, Indira Gandhi, to the highest
position in the world's most populous democracy was especially significant
for Indian women, who had traditionally been subservient to men.
In addition, she was also an inspiration to people in other Third
World nations.
