Indira's heroic image has always been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, but at the same time, her character, like her father, does not like to interact with others. This was mostly due to the turbulent life in her childhood. Although she was very proud of her father and family, she had difficulty developing the social life that an ordinary person should have. Around the 1950s and 1960s, she became acquainted through correspondence with a New York journalist, Dorothy Novin, but they broke off contact due to political issues. So apart from political allies, she has no personal confidants. Her children are all studying in the UK, but none have obtained degrees.
Indira Gandhi has a special personality. Some said she was a very withdrawn person, saying the lady was "cold"; but to some she seemed shy and uneasy in their presence; He also seemed arrogant and cold. In diplomatic situations, according to people who have met her, apart from her gentle smile and frequent nodding, she does not say much in social interactions. When talking, she pays great attention to what the other person says, but she rarely speaks. Indira Gandhi was very kind to the servants and secretaries at home, especially those who served the Nehru family. She maintained a collegial relationship with those who worked for her without being formal. She has an interest in reading widely and can read almost all magazines at home and abroad. She can read newspapers and magazines in French and German, and is also interested in poetry and movies, as well as books on environmental issues. Indira Gandhi developed relatively regular living habits in her daily life.
She loved her youngest son Sanjay most. Many historians believe that Sanjay took advantage of her emotional dependence on him. Perhaps because Sanjay has the shadow of his father Feroz, and Indira felt that Sanjay was dissatisfied with her because of his father's death, Indira tried her best to please him. At that time, Rajiv had grown up and had no political constraints, so Indira's maternal love was almost entirely devoted to the young Sanjay. The result turned out to be Indira's excessive political support for Sanjay, which turned her back on democracy, corruption and abuse of power. Rajiv has said he will never forgive his brother for what he did to his mother after she lost the 1977 election.
The famous Italian journalist Farage described Indira as follows: "Her appearance is very moving. She has a pair of beautiful light brown and slightly sad eyes, and there is always a hint of sadness on her face. Wonderful, inscrutable yet able to arouse people’s curious smile.” In just a few words, Indira’s inner character is revealed.
However, in terms of political achievements, the outside world has mixed reviews of Indira Gandhi. Some praise her political achievements and contributions to India, while others are dissatisfied with her tough political methods and deliberate cultivation of her. The son becomes the successor. Even so, Indira Gandhi remains a legendary figure in India.
Indira made the following remarks shortly before her assassination: "I have spent my whole life serving the people. Even if I die, I believe that every drop of my blood will be used to nurture India. Let her become stronger." In fact, as time changes, many Indian people miss this tough "Iron Lady of India", and some even call her the "Mother of India."