Maneka Gandhi: Difference between revisions

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'''Maneka Gandhi''' (born 26 August 1956) is a prominent Indian politician, environmentalist, and leading animal rights advocate. A founding member of the People for Animals organization in 1992, she has served in multiple ministerial roles, including as Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Forest & Environment. A prolific author and former television host, Gandhi’s influence spans legislation, activism, and literature.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi: From a bride in a Congress family to a BJP leader |url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/photo/Maneka-Gandhis-journey-from-living-in-Congress-household-to-shifting-to-BJP-44044/6 |website=Mid-Day |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi's widow, in interview with Jane Corbin |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianHistory/comments/1hl4sqs |website=Reddit (summary) |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

== Early Life and Education ==

Maneka Gandhi was born on 26 August 1956 in New Delhi to Lt. Col. Tarlochan Singh Anand of the Indian Army and his wife Amteshwar Anand. Both families have roots in Sikh heritage. She went to The Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh for her schooling. Later, she completed her undergraduate degree at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. She also studied German at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi: From a bride in a Congress family to a BJP leader |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/ |website=India Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Biographical Sketch – Maneka Gandhi |url=https://indiapress.org/election/archives/lok11/biodata/11up70.php |website=India Press Centre |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

==Career==

Maneka Gandhi’s public life began in the late 1970s when she married Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. After Sanjay’s death in 1980, she entered politics as an independent candidate. She later founded the Sanjay Vichar Manch, a platform to promote her late husband’s ideals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=This Article is From May 12, 2016Indira Gandhi Wanted Maneka To Help In Politics, Reveals New Book |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indira-gandhi-wanted-maneka-to-help-in-politics-reveals-new-book-1405619 |website=NDTV |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

In 2004, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has since served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament, representing constituencies such as Pilibhit and Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi has held various ministerial positions in different governments, including Minister of State for Environment and Forests from 1989 to 1991, Minister of State for Culture from 1998 to 1999, and Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development from 2014 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi biography|url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/|website=Indian Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

Outside of politics, she has been a notable environmentalist and animal rights advocate. In 1992, she founded People for Animals (PFA), which has become India’s largest animal welfare organization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=People for Animals: About Us |url=https://www.peopleforanimalsindia.org/|website=People for Animals |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

==Environmental and Animal Rights Advocacy==

Maneka Gandhi is well-known as one of India’s leading animal welfare advocates. In 1992, she started People for Animals (PFA), which has set up over 250 units throughout the country. These units run shelters, conduct rescue missions, and push for better animal protection laws.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us - People for Animals |url=https://www.peopleforanimalsindia.org/about-us |website=People for Animals |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

Her work also involves environmental conservation, focusing on wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat preservation. As Minister of State for Environment and Forests, she played a key role in promoting the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill and enforcing stricter wildlife trafficking rules..<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s long-standing fight for animals |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/be-proactive-maneka-tells-animal-rights-groups/article5342764.ece|website=The Hindu |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

In addition to her legislative efforts, Gandhi has written several books on animal welfare. Titles like Heads and Tails and The Animal Laws of India provide valuable resources for activists and legal professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Books by Maneka Gandhi |url=https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1154568.Maneka_Gandhi |website=Goodreads |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

==Personal Life==

Maneka Gandhi was born on 26 August 1956 in Delhi to Lieutenant Colonel Tarlochan Singh Anand and Amteshwar Anand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi Biography |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/ |website= Indian Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

She married Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1974. The couple had one son, Varun Gandhi, who later entered politics and became a Member of Parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Varun Gandhi: Biography and Political Career |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Varun+Gandhi%3A+Biography+and+Political+Career+ndtv&sca_esv=faad85bc1449c4fd&rlz=1C1RXQR_enIN1073IN1073&sxsrf=AE3TifM9r3d9HnlTwzPjegEXhq6yi06hYA%3A1755165612679&ei=rLOdaIOkKLPG4-EPm9KdgQ4&ved=0ahUKEwiDqvW2hYqPAxUz4zgGHRtpJ-AQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Varun+Gandhi%3A+Biography+and+Political+Career+ndtv&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiMVZhcnVuIEdhbmRoaTogQmlvZ3JhcGh5IGFuZCBQb2xpdGljYWwgQ2FyZWVyIG5kdHYyCBAAGIAEGKIEMgUQABjvBTIFEAAY7wUyBRAAGO8FMggQABiABBiiBEi9GlC3AVjHF3ABeAGQAQCYAf8CoAHYCKoBBzAuMy4xLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgagAqIJwgIHECMYsAMYJ8ICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgQQIxgnwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgUQIRifBcICBBAhGBWYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwcxLjMuMS4xoAfjFrIHBzAuMy4xLjG4B4kJwgcHMi0zLjIuMcgHOA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

After Sanjay Gandhi’s untimely death in 1980, Maneka Gandhi’s relationship with the Gandhi family became strained, eventually leading her to carve out an independent political and social identity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s journey from Sanjay’s widow to political stalwart |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianHistory/comments/1hl4sqs/maneka_gandhi_sanjay_gandhis_widow_in_an/ |website=Reddit |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

==Legacy==

Maneka Gandhi has left an enduring mark on India’s political, environmental, and animal welfare landscape. As one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, she has held portfolios ranging from Women and Child Development to Environment and Forests, shaping progressive policies in each.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s Political Journey |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

Her advocacy for animal rights has been pathbreaking, leading to landmark amendments in animal protection laws and raising public awareness about cruelty prevention.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi: India’s voice for the voiceless |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rahul-priyanka-maneka-varun-the-four-gandhis-show-rare-unity-against-sc-order-on-stray-dogs-11755015298089.html |website=Mint |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

Through her books, public speeches, and legislative work, she continues to inspire environmental activism and political participation among future generations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s contribution to Indian politics |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/57792/politics-all-gandhi-family.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=14 August 2025}}

</ref>

==See Also==

•[[Indira Gandhi]]

•[[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel]]

•[[B. R. Ambedkar]]

•[[Jawaharlal Nehru]]

==External Links==

[https://www.instagram.com/manekagandhibjp/?hl=en Instagram]

[https://x.com/Manekagandhibjp/status/1955853121768308919 X]

==Refrence==

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+'''Maneka Gandhi''' (born 26 August 1956) is a prominent Indian politician, environmentalist, and leading animal rights advocate. A founding member of the People for Animals organization in 1992, she has served in multiple ministerial roles, including as Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Forest & Environment. A prolific author and former television host, Gandhi’s influence spans legislation, activism, and literature.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi: From a bride in a Congress family to a BJP leader |url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/photo/Maneka-Gandhis-journey-from-living-in-Congress-household-to-shifting-to-BJP-44044/6 |website=Mid-Day |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi's widow, in interview with Jane Corbin |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianHistory/comments/1hl4sqs |website=Reddit (summary) |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+== Early Life and Education ==
+Maneka Gandhi was born on 26 August 1956 in New Delhi to Lt. Col. Tarlochan Singh Anand of the Indian Army and his wife Amteshwar Anand. Both families have roots in Sikh heritage. She went to The Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh for her schooling. Later, she completed her undergraduate degree at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. She also studied German at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi: From a bride in a Congress family to a BJP leader |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/ |website=India Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Biographical Sketch – Maneka Gandhi |url=https://indiapress.org/election/archives/lok11/biodata/11up70.php |website=India Press Centre |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+==Career==
+Maneka Gandhi’s public life began in the late 1970s when she married Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. After Sanjay’s death in 1980, she entered politics as an independent candidate. She later founded the Sanjay Vichar Manch, a platform to promote her late husband’s ideals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=This Article is From May 12, 2016Indira Gandhi Wanted Maneka To Help In Politics, Reveals New Book |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indira-gandhi-wanted-maneka-to-help-in-politics-reveals-new-book-1405619 |website=NDTV |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+In 2004, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has since served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament, representing constituencies such as Pilibhit and Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi has held various ministerial positions in different governments, including Minister of State for Environment and Forests from 1989 to 1991, Minister of State for Culture from 1998 to 1999, and Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development from 2014 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi biography|url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/|website=Indian Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+Outside of politics, she has been a notable environmentalist and animal rights advocate. In 1992, she founded People for Animals (PFA), which has become India’s largest animal welfare organization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=People for Animals: About Us |url=https://www.peopleforanimalsindia.org/|website=People for Animals |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+==Environmental and Animal Rights Advocacy==
+Maneka Gandhi is well-known as one of India’s leading animal welfare advocates. In 1992, she started People for Animals (PFA), which has set up over 250 units throughout the country. These units run shelters, conduct rescue missions, and push for better animal protection laws.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us - People for Animals |url=https://www.peopleforanimalsindia.org/about-us |website=People for Animals |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+Her work also involves environmental conservation, focusing on wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat preservation. As Minister of State for Environment and Forests, she played a key role in promoting the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill and enforcing stricter wildlife trafficking rules..<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s long-standing fight for animals |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/be-proactive-maneka-tells-animal-rights-groups/article5342764.ece|website=The Hindu |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+In addition to her legislative efforts, Gandhi has written several books on animal welfare. Titles like Heads and Tails and The Animal Laws of India provide valuable resources for activists and legal professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Books by Maneka Gandhi |url=https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1154568.Maneka_Gandhi |website=Goodreads |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+==Personal Life==
+Maneka Gandhi was born on 26 August 1956 in Delhi to Lieutenant Colonel Tarlochan Singh Anand and Amteshwar Anand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi Biography |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/ |website= Indian Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+She married Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1974. The couple had one son, Varun Gandhi, who later entered politics and became a Member of Parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Varun Gandhi: Biography and Political Career |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Varun+Gandhi%3A+Biography+and+Political+Career+ndtv&sca_esv=faad85bc1449c4fd&rlz=1C1RXQR_enIN1073IN1073&sxsrf=AE3TifM9r3d9HnlTwzPjegEXhq6yi06hYA%3A1755165612679&ei=rLOdaIOkKLPG4-EPm9KdgQ4&ved=0ahUKEwiDqvW2hYqPAxUz4zgGHRtpJ-AQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Varun+Gandhi%3A+Biography+and+Political+Career+ndtv&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiMVZhcnVuIEdhbmRoaTogQmlvZ3JhcGh5IGFuZCBQb2xpdGljYWwgQ2FyZWVyIG5kdHYyCBAAGIAEGKIEMgUQABjvBTIFEAAY7wUyBRAAGO8FMggQABiABBiiBEi9GlC3AVjHF3ABeAGQAQCYAf8CoAHYCKoBBzAuMy4xLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgagAqIJwgIHECMYsAMYJ8ICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgQQIxgnwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgUQIRifBcICBBAhGBWYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwcxLjMuMS4xoAfjFrIHBzAuMy4xLjG4B4kJwgcHMi0zLjIuMcgHOA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+After Sanjay Gandhi’s untimely death in 1980, Maneka Gandhi’s relationship with the Gandhi family became strained, eventually leading her to carve out an independent political and social identity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s journey from Sanjay’s widow to political stalwart |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianHistory/comments/1hl4sqs/maneka_gandhi_sanjay_gandhis_widow_in_an/ |website=Reddit |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+==Legacy==
+Maneka Gandhi has left an enduring mark on India’s political, environmental, and animal welfare landscape. As one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, she has held portfolios ranging from Women and Child Development to Environment and Forests, shaping progressive policies in each.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s Political Journey |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/maneka-gandhi/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+Her advocacy for animal rights has been pathbreaking, leading to landmark amendments in animal protection laws and raising public awareness about cruelty prevention.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi: India’s voice for the voiceless |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rahul-priyanka-maneka-varun-the-four-gandhis-show-rare-unity-against-sc-order-on-stray-dogs-11755015298089.html |website=Mint |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
+Through her books, public speeches, and legislative work, she continues to inspire environmental activism and political participation among future generations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maneka Gandhi’s contribution to Indian politics |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/57792/politics-all-gandhi-family.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=14 August 2025}}
+</ref>
+==See Also==
+•[[Indira Gandhi]]
+•[[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel]]
+•[[B. R. Ambedkar]]
+•[[Jawaharlal Nehru]]
+==External Links==
+[https://www.instagram.com/manekagandhibjp/?hl=en Instagram]
+[https://x.com/Manekagandhibjp/status/1955853121768308919 X]
+==Refrence==