New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday praised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and said that she not only led the country for a number of years but also did so during the times of war, while referring to the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Addressing during a seminar on role of women in the armed forces at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the minister said that the country had a positive experience in harnessing women’s power in national development while talking about Rani Laxmi Bai and former President Pratibha Patil.
He said that there are ample of examples of women taking up arms to safeguard the country and rights of people throughout the history. Rani Laxmi Bai is amongst the most revered and respected amongst them.
“Former PM Indira Gandhi not only led the country for a number of years, she also did so during the times of war. And more recently, Pratibha Patil was the President of India and the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces,” the defence minister added.