On the 26th of August, “Nitin Gadkari extends warm birthday wishes to Former Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi. He expresses his hope for her good health and longevity, sending his blessings for her well-being”.
Know about Maneka Sanjay Gandhi:-
Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics and social activism, including politics, animal rights advocacy, environmentalism, and literature. Her journey from being the wife of a prominent politician to becoming an influential member of the Indian Parliament is a testament to her dedication and determination.
Born on August 26, 1956, in Delhi, India, to a Sikh family, Maneka Anand was exposed to a diverse upbringing. Educated at renowned institutions like The Lawrence School and Lady Shri Ram College for Women, she later pursued German studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her life took a significant turn when she met Sanjay Gandhi in 1973, leading to their marriage in 1974.
The period of the Emergency (1975–1977) saw Maneka actively involved in politics alongside her husband, Sanjay Gandhi. Her role during this crucial time solidified her presence in political circles. After Sanjay’s tragic death in an air crash, her relationship with Indira Gandhi grew strained, leading her to found the Rashtriya Sanjay Manch, focusing on youth empowerment and employment.
Maneka Gandhi’s dedication to animal rights and environmental issues has earned her global recognition. She founded the news magazine Surya and played a pivotal role in promoting the Congress party after its defeat in the 1977 elections. She fought for personal liberty in the landmark case of Maneka Gandhi Union of India, underlining the essence of open discussion in a democracy.
Her activism extended to animal welfare, as she founded People for Animals in 1992, India’s largest organization dedicated to the cause. She championed sterilization programs for homeless dogs, protested against the unregulated sale of airguns, and advocated for a ban on mobile zoos. Her efforts earned her the position of chairwoman of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA).
