Shakti Sthal
Located north of Vir Bhumi, the memorial of Rajiv Gandhi, Shakti Sthal is the memorial of India’s first and only lady prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi. She was the only child of Jawahar Lal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. She was the third Prime Minister of India and occupied the post for nearly three terms. It was during her third term as prime minister that her own bodyguards assassinated her, in the year 1984.
Considered as an eminent ‘statesman’ the world over, Indira Gandhi’s last rites were performed here and a memorial was build in her honor. The memorial was named ‘Shakti Sthal’ meaning ‘the place of strength and power’ to symbolize the determination and vigor of Indira Gandhi. A grey-red monolithic stone marks the site where she was cremated following her assassination.
The very night before the day Indira Gandhi was assassinated, she said in a speech, “I don’t mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die today, every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation.” The contemplative ambience of Shakti Sthal makes visitors reflect on the remarkable life of Indira Gandhi. The green lawns and trees of the park around the memorial provide a soothing getaway from the busy city.
