Bansuri Swaraj remembers Sushma Swaraj on 7th death anniversary
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj on Thursday, 6 August 2025 paid a moving tribute to her mother, former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, on the occasion of her seventh death anniversary. Posting on social media platform X, Bansuri wrote that while time moves on, some voids are never filled.
In her post, Bansuri Swaraj said: “Mother Sushma Swaraj. Time moves on, but some voids are never filled. Memories of you, your teachings, and the values you instilled in me continue to guide me at every step. A respectful tribute to you on your seventh death anniversary. Om Shanti.”
A Political Career That Defined an Era
Sushma Swaraj, born on 14 February 1952 in Ambala, Haryana, studied law at Panjab University and entered student politics at an early age. She began her political journey with the Janata Party and was elected to the Haryana Legislative Assembly in 1977, becoming one of the youngest cabinet ministers in the state at the time.
She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1984 and steadily built a formidable career, serving as a member of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Her ministerial portfolios included Information and Broadcasting, Health and Family Welfare, and Parliamentary Affairs.
First Woman Chief Minister of Delhi
In 1998, Swaraj made history by becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi, though her tenure was brief. She subsequently rose to become one of the BJP's most prominent national voices, serving as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014.
Landmark Tenure as External Affairs Minister
Her most celebrated chapter came between 2014 and 2019, when she served as India's External Affairs Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this period, she transformed the Ministry of External Affairs into a more citizen-accessible institution, frequently using social media to assist Indians in distress abroad. Her prompt, empathetic interventions earned admiration across party lines and significantly enhanced India's diplomatic image globally.
Despite undergoing a kidney transplant in 2016, Swaraj remained deeply committed to public service. She chose not to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and stepped back from active politics thereafter.
Legacy and Recognition
Sushma Swaraj passed away on 6 August 2019 following a cardiac arrest. She was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2020 in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the nation. Her legacy — marked by powerful oratory, compassionate governance, and citizen-first diplomacy — continues to inspire political leaders and citizens across India.
As the seventh anniversary of her passing is observed, tributes from across the political spectrum reflect the enduring regard in which she is held.