Sonia Gandhi: A Life in Politics and Beyond
Early life and education
Born in Italy on December 9, 1946, Sonia Gandhi was raised in a traditional Catholic family. After completing her primary education, she moved to England for language studies, where she met and married Rajiv Gandhi in 1968.
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Life in Congress
After her husband Rajiv Gandhis assassination in 1991, she entered politics in 1998 and became President of the Congress party. She remains the longest-serving Congress President with over 22 years as the party leader.
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Domesticity and Hidden Talents
Sonia Gandhi is an advocate for cleanliness and enjoys keeping her home neat. She also possesses culinary skills, including making red chilly oil for salad dressings
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International Recognition
Forbes magazine acknowledged her as one of the most powerful women in the world, ranking her 3rd in 2004 and 6th in 2007. She was also featured in New Statesmans list of The Worlds 50 Most Influential Figures in 2010.
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Linguistic Prowess
Sonia Gandhi is fluent in nine languages, including Hindi.
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Political Leadership
Despite holding significant power, Sonia Gandhi chose Manmohan Singh to lead the country as Prime Minister, demonstrating her selflessness.
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Building Coalitions
Under her leadership, the Congress formed the government in 2004 and 2009 through alliances with other centrist parties. Sonia Gandhi is credited with creating the successful United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
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Sarees And Tradition
Sonia Gandhi has a fondness for cotton handloom sarees, especially traditional weaves. She wore a special saree hand-woven by Jawaharlal Nehru for both her wedding and her daughter Priyankas wedding.
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Academic Recognition
Sonia Gandhi holds Honorary Doctorates in Literature from the University of Madras and Brussels University. The Belgian government further honoured her with the Order of King Leopold in 2006.
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