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<ul><li><strong>Senior BJP leader and former Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, passed away on Tuesday (August 6) </strong><strong>after a fatal heart attack at the age of 67.</strong></li><li><strong>Swaraj, a firebrand Hindu nationalist in her younger years, changed the face of foreign ministry and was dubbed India's 'supermom' by the Washington Post.</strong></li><li><strong>She will be remembered for breaking the gender-based  glass ceiling more than once long before women empowerment became a buzzword in Indian politics.</strong></li></ul>Senior BJP leader and former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday (August 6) at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS). The BJP veteran reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 67.<br /><br />Born on Valentine's Day in 1953, she earned bachelor's degree with majors in Political Science and Sanskrit from the Punjab University. Her father Hardev Sharma was a long-time member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Hindu nationalist organisation and the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). <br /><br />Advocate by profession, Swaraj remained in the saffron fold all her life. Until a few months before her demise, she was the country's Minister of External Affairs-- one of two women to hold that office till date -- where her active involvement and quick responses on social media not only helped many in distress but also earned her the tag of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-foreign-minister-is-cast-as-supermom--to-125-billion-compatriots/2016/08/14/ff9889f9-96aa-4ddc-b1b0-42f8f79fe20f_story.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">India's 'supermom'</a>. <br /><br />
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="VikasSwarup" handlename="Vikas Swarup" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/835911885518061568/Wgnnx_sv_normal.jpg" favoritecount="360" retweetcount="121" status="Stunned to hear that @SushmaSwaraj is no more. I had the privilege of working with her very closely. She touched mi… https://t.co/aGoSthmMJ5" createdat="1565114453000" id="1158800124459585536"></div>













<br /><br />She holds many records like being the youngest cabinet minister at the age of 25, the first female spokesperson for a national political party, as well as the Spanish government's <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/swaraj-accepts-spain-s-top-civic-award-during-visit-119021900938_1.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit</a> in recognition of India's support in evacuating its citizens from Nepal after the 2015 earthquake.<br /><br /><strong>A key character in history</strong><br /><br />By the 1970s, the young Swaraj was a firebrand youth politician rallying as part of the revolutionary movement led by the Gandhian stalwart Jayprakash Narayan against the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.<br /><br />She became a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament, in 1990 and the first lady to be Delhi's Chief Minister in 1998-- the stint, however, lasted only 3 months.<br /><br />She had the trust of former Prime Minister, the late Atal Behari Vajpayee, and held key portfolios including information and broadcasting, telecommunications as well as health and family welfare. Under Narendra Modi's leadership, she held the foreign ministry until 2019 when she decided to retire from contesting elections.<br /><br />
  
  
  
  
  
  <div type="Youtube" id="lviT78WtYig" title="FULL SPEECH: EAM Sushma Swaraj's address at United Nations General Assembly" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lviT78WtYig/mqdefault.jpg"></div>













<br /><br /><strong>Taking a Gandhi head on</strong><br /><br />Swaraj never shied away from challenges whether it was outside her party or within. She famously took on the mighty <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/04/12/The-Nehru-Gandhi-safe-seats-When-Sonia-Sushma-crossed-swords-in-Ballari.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Sonia Gandhi head on in Bellary</a>, considered to be a 'safe seat'' for the Gandhi family, in 1999. Swaraj lost the election but that was the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the two ladies, one that left an indelible story in Indian politics. <br /><br />Swaraj in the image of an 'ideal Indian woman' took the fight to Sonia Gandhi calling her the 'foreigner' triggering a debate that ended with Gandhi choosing not to become the Prime Minister despite having won the election. Swaraj had lost the election but her rhetoric had won. <br /><br />
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="RahulGandhi" handlename="Rahul Gandhi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/974851878860312582/O-Zn2b72_normal.jpg" favoritecount="16251" retweetcount="3023" status="I’m shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj Ji, an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator &amp; an e… https://t.co/smO1haZJ4r" createdat="1565115719000" id="1158805433294868481"></div>













<br />In 2004, Congress lost the seat in Bellary, for the first time in over 50 years, as the local satraps, the infamous Reddy brothers accused of illegal mining, decided to back the BJP.<br />
<br /><strong>Opposition to Modi as Prime Minister</strong><br /><br />The brilliant orator also <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/dont-declare-narendra-modi-as-pm-immediately-sushma-swaraj/articleshow/22350151.cms?from=mdr" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">crossed swords with none other than Narendra Modi</a> before the 2014 election. She stood with the old guards of the BJP in stalling Modi's candidature for the post of the Prime Minister. While a political truce was struck between the two sides within the party, and Swaraj was made the foreign minister, <a href="https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/external-affairs-and-the-armchair/291881" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">her role was cut to size</a> soon after the government took over.<br /><br />
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="Narendra Modi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1134082549041393672/QbihPzrL_normal.png" favoritecount="55644" retweetcount="13969" status="Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My t… https://t.co/EA0y0huas8" createdat="1565114991000" id="1158802378998419457"></div>













<br /><br />However, Modi and his long-term aide, the former spy Ajit Doval, drove the country's foreign policy, Swaraj deftly redefined her role to stay relevant, and more prominent, in people's minds. <br /><br /><strong>The Other Modi</strong><br /><br />What made matters worse for Swaraj were her and her family's <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/sushma-swaraj-amit-shah-lalit-modi-external-affairs-minister-bjp-257521-2015-06-15" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">ties with Lalit Modi</a>, the controversial businessman who built the billion dollar Indian Premier League and was later indicted for money laundering, embezzlement, and breaking rules while living a lavish lifestyle. Swaraj, whose daughter was Lalit Modi's legal counsel, was accused of helping him flee the country in 2014.<br /><br />Eventually, <a href="https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/1/4024/The-Reason-Why-PM-Modi-and-the-RSS-Decided-to-Support-Sushma-Swaraj" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">there was peace between the two camps</a> within the BJP and Swaraj came out of the controversy with minimal scars. She spent the remaining years in her office as foreign minister connecting with people via Twitter. Her affectionate and sensitive responses to Indians in distress in other countries, during times of hostility or a natural disaster, earned her the love and likes from millions of people.<br /><br />
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="SushmaSwaraj" handlename="Sushma Swaraj" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/959220898417950720/Ij9WNV0g_normal.jpg" favoritecount="35193" retweetcount="13749" status="Even if you are stuck on the Mars, Indian Embassy there will help you. https://t.co/Smg1oXKZXD" createdat="1496891814000" id="872653636849082368"></div>













<br /><br /><strong>This was her last tweet.<br /></strong>
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="SushmaSwaraj" handlename="Sushma Swaraj" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/959220898417950720/Ij9WNV0g_normal.jpg" favoritecount="138751" retweetcount="34010" status="प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी.  @narendramodi… https://t.co/ZoP1vYYETM" createdat="1565099604000" id="1158737840752037889"></div>













<br /><br />Irrespective of whether one agrees with her politics, Swaraj will be remembered for breaking the glass ceiling more than once long before women empowerment became a buzzword in Indian politics.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/rip-vg-siddharthas-death-and-why-former-prime-minister-hd-deve-gowda-cried/articleshow/70464431.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">A former Prime Minister cried on national TV for VG Siddhartha-- the untold tales of politics and privilege may die with India’s coffee baron</a><br /><br /><br />

India's 'supermom' Sushma Swaraj, the lady who redefined the country's Foreign Ministry, is no more

<strong><br /></strong><ul><ul class="summary-list "><li><strong>At least 207 people are dead and 450 others have been injured after a series of explosions hit churches and hotels in <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>.</strong></li><li><strong>The churches were bombed as worshippers attended Easter Sunday service.</strong></li><li><strong>The hotels targeted are among the most luxurious in Sri Lanka's capital. 35 foreigners have been killed, <a href="https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/blasts-sri-lanka-hotels-and-churches-kill-156-doc-1ft48d4">AFP cited hospital sources as saying</a>.<br /></strong><strong>Eight explosions in various locations have now been reported.<br /></strong></li></ul></ul>At least 207 people were killed in a series of blasts on Easter Sunday Blasts in Sri Lanka, targeting three churches and three hotels.<br /><br />As of 1 pm, more than 400 people were wounded and hospitalized, reported Reuters. <br />
  
  
  
  
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<br />AFP news agency quoting Sri Lankan Police said the toll in <keyword id="7550956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka-blasts">Sri Lanka blasts</keyword> had risen to 156, including 35 foreigners.<br /><br />The blasts took place at three churches located at Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa. The three hotels that were targeted are located in Colombo, and include Shangri La Colombo, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and Kingsbury Hotel, according to media reports. <br /><br />The Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has urged the people to remain strong and united in the tragic time. The Prime Minister is reportedly going to conduct a national security council meeting at his house. <br />
  
  
  
  
  
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<br />Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, in a special message read out on local news channels, has requested the people to remain calm and help the authorities in the investigation. <br /><br />India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack and said the country stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. <br /><br />
  
  
  
  
  
  
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<br /><br />Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also condemned the attack.<br /><br />
  
  
  
  
  
  
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<br />St. Sebastian’s church, which was among the target, posted pictures showing destructions and bloodshed after the blast on its Facebook Page and urged people to help. The post read “A bomb attack to our church please come and help if your family members are there”<br /><br />No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.<br /><br />Several peace messages "Pray For Sri Lanka" were trending on social media. Messages and prayers also poured in from celebrities. <br /><br />
  
  
  
  
  
  
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<br />Former Sri Lankan captain of the cricket team, <keyword id="79577" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Angelo-Mathews">Angelo Mathews</keyword> in a recent tweet has requested people to not to believe in rumors. <br /><br />
  
  
  
  
  
  
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<br />A travel advisory had been issued by the US embassy in Colombo advising citizens to follow local security instructions and “exercise extreme caution.”<br /><br />External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that she was in touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo as six explosions hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing at least 20 people. <br /><br />"Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," the Minister said in a tweet. <br />
	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="golrizghahraman" handlename="Golriz Ghahraman" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1035120828780707840/PRgmSRXp_normal.jpg" favoritecount="121" retweetcount="22" status="Devastated for Sri Lanka, especially the targeted Christian community. In a nation who has seen so much violence an… https://t.co/a3297hWuYK" createdat="1555826450000" id="1119843413006774272"></div>
















	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="AJEnglish" handlename="Al Jazeera English" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/875638617606987776/YBOKib96_normal.jpg" favoritecount="595" retweetcount="614" status="BREAKING: Multiple blasts hit Sri Lanka churches and hotels on Easter Sunday https://t.co/3Xn6pRk0kU https://t.co/FHAHmOUr4N" createdat="1555824930000" id="1119837039392899073"></div>















<br /><br />Helpline numbers for Indian citizens in need of assistance or who seek clarification are: +94777903082, +94112422788, +94112422789, +94777902082 and +94772234176.<br /><br />With IANS<br />

Easter Sunday Blasts: Deadly explosion kills 207, Sri Lankan Prime Minister urges people to stay united and strong

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India's 'supermom' Sushma Swaraj, the lady who redefined the country's Foreign Ministry, is no more

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Easter Sunday Blasts: Deadly explosion kills 207, Sri Lankan Prime Minister urges people to stay united and strong

BI India Bureau

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