A major turning point in Indian politics was reached in 2009 when Meira Kumar became the first female speaker of the Lok Sabha. Her remarkable political career, marked by a steadfast dedication to empowerment and inclusivity, cleared the path for more female representation in leadership positions.
Early Life and Educational Journey
Meira Kumar, who was born on March 31, 1945, followed a career path that included politics and diplomacy. She supported international connections and represented India’s interests overseas while working as a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) prior to entering politics. Her later political endeavours were shaped by this early encounter.
Political Career and Electoral Victories
Meira Kumar had a big career in politics with many important moments and wins. She came from a family that was already involved in politics. Her dad, Jagjivan Ram, was a leader in India’s fight for independence and worked a lot for fairness. After finishing school, Meira worked for the Indian Foreign Service for more than ten years. Then, in 1985, she decided to join politics, with encouragement from her dad and Rajiv Gandhi, who was the Prime Minister at the time.
Meira Kumar’s political journey was mostly with the Indian National Congress party. She had some top roles in the party, like being the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee. She also served on the Working Committee of the Congress Party, which was a big deal.
She won elections for Lok Sabha in 1996 and 1998 but lost in 1999. She took a break from the Congress Party in 2000 because of some disagreements but came back two years later. Meira won Lok Sabha elections from Bihar’s Sasaram in 2004 and 2009, which was once her dad’s area.
From 2004 to 2009, she was the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment in the government. After winning the 2009 elections, she became the Minister for Water Resources. Later that year, she became the Speaker of Lok Sabha without any opposition.
As Speaker, Meira Kumar started some good programs, like one in 2011 to use less paper in Lok Sabha. She also supported campaigns against violence against women. But in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Meira lost her seat. Then in 2017, she was the UPA’s pick for President, but she lost to Ram Nath Kovind from the BJP. Throughout her career, Meira Kumar always stood up for fairness, including everyone, and women’s rights. She left a big mark on Indian politics.
Ministerial Stint and Leadership
From 2004 to 2009, Meira Kumar was the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment under Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Her term was defined by her uncompromising drive to resolve social injustices and empower the underprivileged, which demonstrated her commitment to inclusive administration.
Meira Kumar’s Historic Role as Speaker of Lok Sabha
Meira Kumar’s groundbreaking appointment as the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha in 2009 marked a pivotal moment for gender equality in Indian politics. Serving during the 15th Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014, she led parliamentary proceedings, ensured smooth discussions, and upheld the democratic values of the nation.
Presidential Nomination and Legacy
In 2017, Meira Kumar secured the United Progressive Alliance’s nomination for the position of President of India, becoming only the third woman to receive such an honor from a major political bloc. Though she did not emerge victorious in the presidential election, her nomination further solidified her status as a significant and influential figure in Indian politics.
As the first female Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar’s extraordinary accomplishment highlights her constant commitment to inclusive government and gender equality. Her incredible journey demonstrates the transforming power of women’s participation in politics and serves as an inspiration for upcoming generations of women leaders. Meira Kumar’s legacy continues to shine as India moves closer to achieving more gender equality.