Sushma Swaraj passes away: Vinesh Phogat recalls ex-EAM's aid during distress, says void will remain empty forever

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat paid her last respects to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as she recollected an incident where the senior leader sprung to her aid after she was sidelined. Phogat said that she could never forget the day and the voice that said to her that she was her daughter and that her needs would be taken care of. Phogat condoled her loss and said that the void left in the hearts of the citizens will always be empty. 

Read Vinesh Phogat's tribute here: 

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A pioneer of Women's Empowerment

A woman of might, and known for her glorious political career, Swaraj had given a fiery speech over women's equality on International Women's Day on March 8, 2018, when she served as an External Minister. 

She said, "As an External Minister I have had the opportunity to go to other countries, gender empowerment is a common topic of discussion. In that time I keep my head high and can say India is such a country where we've had a female Prime Minister, a female has been President, two women have been Speakers, so many women have served as Chief Ministers of state." 

Today women are doing combat duties in the Army, flying Air Force jets, are going to space, climbing Mount Everest with artificial legs. I believe where these things raise the reputation for women, on the other side the injustice with women puts our head down in shame. Today is the day to take an oath that we will not bear the pain and injustice, and when I saw 'we' I speak for both men and women. When I say 'we' I speak for the entire society. This should be a movement, not just be a government program," she added.  

Sushma Swaraj's political glory

The veteran politician's stint in politics began after her practice as a Supreme Court advocate. In the second term of PM Modi, she decided to quit her political career citing health reasons. 

She served as the first woman chief minister of Delhi in 1998. Swaraj was the first woman spokesperson for any national political party in the country and as the BJP MP even won the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award. 

The former External Affair Minister will always be remembered for her role in the governance of the country. She kick-started her political innings in 1977 as a member of the Janata Party and at the first go was elected as the MLA Haryana. In fact, she was the youngest cabinet minister in Haryana government at the age of 25.

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