Sonia Gandhi Birthday Special: A look at journey of longest serving president from Italian girl to enduring legacy in Indian politics

Sonia Gandhi Birthday Special: A compassionate, hardworking, calm and strong – A mother, leader and symbol of utmost grace Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turns 77 today.

Sonia Gandhi's journey from Italian girl to enduring legacy in Indian politics is marked by several events from her love story to her into the Nehru-Gandhi family and then into  the Indian politics and role in shaping the Congress Party's trajectory which left a lasting impact on the political landscape of India

Sonia Gandhi Journey: Ordinary Italian to powerful Indian politician 

Early Life in Italy: Sonia Gandhi, originally named as Sonia Maino was born on 9 December 1946 to Stefano and Paola Maino in Lusiana a small village near Vicenza in Italy. She was raised in a traditional Roman Catholic Christian family.

Sonia Gandhi-Rajiv Gandhi Love Story: Sonia Gandhi's and Rajiv Gandhi's love story is a tale that spans continents and cultures. The two first met in Cambridge, United Kingdom and fell in love with each other. Their courtship faced some challenges, however, love prevailed, and the couple got married on February 25, 1968 in New Delhi. 

Sonia Gandhi entry into Gandhi family: After their marriage, Sonia Gandhi moved to India and found herself thrust into the midst of Indian politics and the Nehru-Gandhi family, one of the most influential political families in India

Kids and Family: Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi had two children - son Rahul and daughter Priyanka. 

Sonia Gandhi Entry into Politics: Sonia Gandhi's involvement with Indian public life began after the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 and then husband Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

Sonia Gandhi Leadership: In 1998, Sonia Gandhi took over as the President of the Indian National Congress, succeeding Sitaram Kesri. Her entry into active politics marked a crucial phase for the party. 

Enduring Legacy in Politics: Sonia Gandhi played a crucial role in the formation of the UPA, a coalition of political parties with the Congress as its anchor. The UPA governed India for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014.

Sonia Gandhi's leadership helped maintain the relevance of the Congress Party in Indian politics. She served as the President of the Congress Party for several years, and her leadership was marked by electoral victories and policy initiatives

Step down as President: Sonia Gandhi's decision to step down as the Congress President in 2017 and pass the leadership to her son, Rahul Gandhi, is another aspect of her legacy. This marked a generational transition within the party.

Even after stepping down from the formal position of Congress President, Sonia Gandhi continued to wield influence within the party, participating in key decision-making processes and policy discussions.

Sonia Gandhi's enduring legacy in Indian politics is multifaceted, encompassing both successes and challenges. Her role in shaping the Congress Party's trajectory, coalition politics, and social welfare policies has left a lasting impact on the political landscape of India

- With inputs from agencies

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