It marks the birthday of Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister.
The day aims to promote unity, equality, peace, and national integration among all people.
Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister from 1966–1977 and from 1980–1984.
In 1971, she passed the 26th Amendment, ending the Privy Purse (payments to former princes) under Articles 291 and 362 of the Constitution.
In 1975, she launched the Twenty Point Programme to reduce poverty, improve rural life, and support housing, education, health, irrigation, and the environment.
Her slogan “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) guided welfare schemes and shaped the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974–1979) to help the poor.