Sushma Swaraj Jayanti: Remembering a Leader Whose Politics Was Rooted in Humanity

New Delhi | 14 Feb 2026 Today, 14 February 2026, marks the 74th birth anniversary of Sushma Swaraj, a towering figure in Indian politics whose legacy continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remembering her as a visionary stateswoman, an exceptional parliamentarian, and a leader who combined political sharpness with deep compassion. Born on 14 February 1952, Sushma Swaraj carved a distinct place for herself through several pioneering milestones. She became the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998 and later served as the second woman Minister of External Affairs of India from 2014 to 2019, after Indira Gandhi. Remarkably, her political rise began early—at just 25 years of age, she was appointed the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government in 1977, reflecting her early grasp of governance and leadership. Widely remembered as the “People’s Minister,” Swaraj transformed the functioning of the Ministry of External Affairs during her tenure. Her proactive use of social media to respond to distressed Indians abroad set a new benchmark in public service, making diplomacy more accessible and humane. Equally admired was her commanding presence in Parliament—an incisive orator and debater, she served as a Member of Parliament ten times, representing both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha with distinction. Sushma Swaraj passed away on 6 August 2019, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service, dignity, and empathy. In recognition of her lifelong contribution to public life, she was posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, India’s second-highest civilian honour. As the nation marks her Jayanti today, her life stands as a reminder that leadership is most powerful when it remains connected to the people it serves. Sushma Swaraj Jayanti: Remembering a Leader Whose Politics Was Rooted in Humanity Today, 14 February 2026, marks the 74th birth anniversary of Sushma Swaraj, a towering figure in Indian politics whose legacy continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remembering her as a visionary stateswoman, an exceptional parliamentarian, and a leader who combined political sharpness with deep compassion. Born on 14 February 1952, Sushma Swaraj carved a distinct place for herself through several pioneering milestones. She became the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998 and later served as the second woman Minister of External Affairs of India from 2014 to 2019, after Indira Gandhi. Remarkably, her political rise began early—at just 25 years of age, she was appointed the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government in 1977, reflecting her early grasp of governance and leadership. Widely remembered as the “People’s Minister,” Swaraj transformed the functioning of the Ministry of External Affairs during her tenure. Her proactive use of social media to respond to distressed Indians abroad set a new benchmark in public service, making diplomacy more accessible and humane. Equally admired was her commanding presence in Parliament—an incisive orator and debater, she served as a Member of Parliament ten times, representing both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha with distinction. Sushma Swaraj passed away on 6 August 2019, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service, dignity, and empathy. In recognition of her lifelong contribution to public life, she was posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, India’s second-highest civilian honour. As the nation marks her Jayanti today, her life stands as a reminder that leadership is most powerful when it remains connected to the people it serves.