Indira Gandhi, successful political figure, the illustrious daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru and the third Prime Minister of India, was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad. Indira ji served as India's Prime Minister until her passing on October 31, 1984.

Indira Gandhi's journey into politics began gradually after her education at the University of Oxford. She was in Santiniketan, where she was christened Priyadarshini Gandhi by Rabindranath Tagore. However, after her marriage to Feroze Gandhi in 1942, she became more deeply involved in Indian politics. Her ascent to power culminated in her becoming the Prime Minister of India in 1966, a position she held for an impressive 15 years. She played a significant role during the liberation of Bangladesh.

The brutal crackdown by the Pakistani army in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) from March 25, 1971, led to the declaration of independence by Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. During the tumultuous period of Bangladesh's struggle for independence, Indira Gandhi emerged as a beacon of support. Gandhi's India swiftly opened its borders, providing refuge to over 10 million Bangladeshi refugees. Under her leadership, India launched 'Operation Jackpot' on May 15, 1971, providing crucial support—such as training, arms, funding, and equipment—to the 'Mukti Bahini,' the forces fighting for the liberation of Bangladesh. On November 21, India initiated a pivotal move by officially establishing a joint command that united the Indian Armed Forces with Bangladesh's freedom fighters, led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh.  On December 3, 1971, the Pakistan Army's attack on India marked India's direct involvement in the war, leading to a joint attack against Pakistan for the liberation of Bangladesh.

Indira Gandhi navigated intricate geopolitical landscapes with diplomatic finesse. Despite Pakistan's strong ties with the US and China, she actively sought international support for Bangladesh's cause. Engaging in diplomatic initiatives, such as reaching out to Egypt's President Anwar Sadat and participating in the World Peace Congress, she sought global backing for Bangladesh's independence.

On May 13, 1971, the World Peace Congress convened in Budapest, where Indira Gandhi addressed the issue of Bangladesh's independence, in the presence of 700 delegates from 80 different countries.
Later, on September 20, 1971, India organized a three-day special international conference in Delhi, endorsed by Indira Gandhi, focusing on Bangladesh's independence and urging recognition from all corners. Approximately 150 ambassadors from 24 nations participated.

In pursuit of the same goal, Indira Gandhi embarked on a 19-day world tour starting on October 24, 1971. During this tour, she portrayed the true reality of the war in Bangladesh, discussing the situation with British Prime Minister Edward Heath and visiting several nations, including the Soviet Union, Lebanon, Belgium, Austria, the United States, France, and West Germany. During her speech at Columbia University in the United States on November 6, she passionately drew attention to the horrific massacre orchestrated by the Pakistani military government in East Bengal on 25 March.

The diplomatic developments between the US and China posed challenges in the liberation war of Bangladesh. When US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger visited China, it raised the stakes. Consequently, Gandhi aligned with the Soviet Union in August 1971, securing an alliance and ensuring Soviet assistance in case of any US invasion in the Bay of Bengal. On December 6, 1971, India formally recognized Bangladesh despite Nixon sending the US Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal.

Ten days later of Indian recognition, Pakistani soldiers surrendered in Dhaka, and Bangladesh achieved victory on December 16, 1971.

The victory of Bangladesh in 1971 was not solely attributed to military actions.  Indira's astute diplomacy had significant contribution that surpassed Nixon's strategies or the US-China-Pakistan alliance.

Recognizing her crucial role, Indira Gandhi was posthumously honoured in 2012, alongside other individuals, for her contributions to the War of Independence. On that day, as Bangladesh pays homage to Indira Gandhi, her steadfast support and unwavering commitment to the cause of Bangladesh's freedom remain etched in history.

Today 19th November is Birthday of Indira Ghandhi, she continues to be remembered as a true friend of the Bangladeshi people, embodying the spirit of solidarity and humanitarianism.