New Delhi, August 6: India today remembers the country's former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who died on August 6 last year. Sushma Swaraj, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran, died after a cardiac arrest. Born on February 14 in 1952, Swaraj was known as "people's minister" and was admired across party lines. For her exceptional service as a lawmaker, she was given the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award. On Sushma Swaraj's first death anniversary, LatestLY complies a list of interesting facts about the former External Affairs Minister. Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra Renamed As Sushma Swaraj Bhawan Ahead of Late BJP Leader.

  • Sushma Swaraj's parents hailed from a place called Dharampura in Pakistan's Lahore.

  • Sushma Swaraj was a recipient of the best cadet award in N.C.C. for three consecutive years during studies at Sanatan Dharma College in Ambala Cantonment.

  • An articulate speaker, Swaraj received the award for the best speech in Hindi for three consecutive years organized by the Language Department of Haryana. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Misses Sushma Swaraj on Rakhi, Shares Beautiful Picture.

  • Sushma Swaraj was wedded to Swaraj Kaushal who was given the title of 'Senior Advocate' as early as when he was 34 years old.

  • At the age of 25, Sushma Swaraj was the youngest state cabinet minister when Chief Minister Devi Lal inducted her in his Cabinet in 1977.

  • As the Information and Broadcasting Minister in 1996, it was her decision to live telecast the Lok Sabha debates.

  • When the BJP appointed Swaraj as an official spokesperson, she became the first woman to occupy the post in any national political party.

  • Swaraj holds the credit of being the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi. She achieved the distinction in October 1998.

  • Sushma Swaraj also became the first woman leader of Opposition in the Indian Parliament.

  • Swaraj was a staunch believer of astrology and gemology.

A lawyer by profession, Swaraj entered into electoral politics in 1973 when she won the Ambala Cantonment assembly seat in Haryana. Her rise in politics from a student leader in Haryana to the country's second woman External Affairs Minister coincided with the growth of BJP as a party.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2020 07:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).