Sonia Gandhi (Politician) Wiki, Age, Biography, Family, Education, Wife, Date of Birth, Children, Net Worth and More
Sonia Gandhi is a prominent Indian politician known for her significant contributions to the Indian National Congress (INC) and her role in Indian politics. Born on December 9, 1946, in Lusiana, Italy, she has held several important positions within the party and the Indian government. She is widely recognized for her commitment to environmental protection, Indian handlooms and handicrafts, as well as the promotion of Indian classical and tribal art and music.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Lusiana, Vicenza (Italy) |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1946 |
| Father’s Name | Late Mr. Stefano Maino |
| Mother’s Name | Mrs. Paola Predebon |
| Marital Status | Widow (Married to Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi) |
| Children | Son: 1, Daughter: 1 |
| Profession | Political and Social Workers |
| Educational Qualification | Certificate courses in English language from Cambridge, U.K. |
| Permanent Address | 10, Janpath, New Delhi – 110011 |
| Present Address | 10, Janpath, New Delhi – 110011 |
| Positions Held | – Interim President, Indian National Congress (Aug. 2019 – Oct. 2022) – Re-elected to 17th Lok Sabha (2019) – Re-elected to 16th Lok Sabha (2014) – Chairperson, National Advisory Council (2010) – Re-elected to 15th Lok Sabha (2009) – Re-elected in a bye-election (2006) – Resigned from 14th Lok Sabha (2006) – Chairperson, National Advisory Council (2004-2009) – Chairperson, United Progressive Alliance (2004) – Re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha (1999) – Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha (1999-2000) – Elected to 13th Lok Sabha (1999) – Chairperson, Congress (I) Parliamentary Party (CPP) (1998-2017) – President, Indian National Congress (1984-1991, 1998-2017) |
| Special Interests | Environmental protection, Indian handlooms, handicrafts, classical and tribal art & music, oil painting conservation |
| Countries Visited | Widely traveled |
| Other Information | – Chairperson of People for Animals – Managing Trustee, Ruth Cowell Foundation (Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Shelter and Hospital) – Member, India International Centre – Interests include reading and gardening |
Early Life and Education
Sonia Gandhi was born Edvige Antonia Albina Maino to Stefano Maino and Paola Predebon. She completed her education in foreign languages, including English and French, in Italy. She also undertook a certificate course in English from the University of Cambridge, enhancing her linguistic skills.
Family and Personal Life
Sonia Gandhi’s marriage to the Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, in 1968, marked her entry into the Nehru-Gandhi family, a prominent political dynasty in India. Together, they had two children, a son, Rahul Gandhi, and a daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She became a widow following Rajiv Gandhi’s tragic assassination in 1991.
Political Career
Sonia Gandhi’s political journey began after the untimely demise of her husband. Initially reluctant to join politics, she eventually took on a more active role within the Indian National Congress. She was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress in April 1998 and played a pivotal role in leading the party.
Sonia Gandhi has served multiple terms in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. She was elected to the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th Lok Sabhas. Her leadership extended beyond party roles, as she also chaired the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the National Advisory Council (NAC). During her tenure as UPA Chairperson, she played a vital role in the formation and functioning of the UPA government at the centre.
International Engagements
Sonia Gandhi’s international engagements include her involvement in various global forums and her extensive travel. She has been an advocate for environmental protection and the conservation of oil paintings. Her interest in Indian handlooms, handicrafts, classical and tribal art, and music has contributed to the promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
Current Office & Contact Information
Sonia Gandhi currently resides at 10, Janpath, New Delhi, with contact numbers (011) 23014481 and 23015584. While her role as the Interim President of the Indian National Congress from August 2019 to October 2022 is mentioned, her current political role may have evolved since the provided information.
Sonia Gandhi’s dedication to the Indian National Congress and her contributions to Indian politics make her a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape. Her commitment to various social and cultural causes reflects her multifaceted role in shaping India’s future.