1. From Sushma Sharma to Sushma Swaraj

Sushma Swaraj was Sushma Sharma before her marriage to Swaraj Kaushal.

2. Links to Pakistan

Sushma Swaraj’s parents hailed from Dharampura area of Lahore, Pakistan. She also visited Dharampura during her last visit to Pakistan.

3. Education

Sushma Swaraj got her early education from Sanatan Dharma College in Ambala Cantonment and got bachelor degree with majors in Sanskrit and Political Science.

Then she studied law at Punjab University, Chandigarh.

4. A child prodigy

She also received the title of the best cadet of N.C.C at the S.D. College, Ambala Cantt for three years in a row.

5. Born on 14th February 1952

Sushma Swaraj was born on 14 February 1952. Her birthplace being Ambala Cantt, Haryana, Sushma Swaraj was born to Hardev Sharma and Shrimati Laxmi Devi.

Sushma Swaraj (on the pillion) with her brother when she was 2

6. Killing with her speeches since long time

Won best Hindi Speaker award for three consecutive years, held by the Language Department of Haryana.

7. Interests

With an interest in classical music, poetry, fine arts and drama too, Sushma Swaraj can definitely be called an all-rounder!

8. Start of political career

In early 1970s, she joined Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and from there began her political journey.

Sushma Swaraj's father was also a prominent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member.

9. Start of professional career

In 1973, Sushma Swaraj started practice as an advocate in the Supreme Court of India. She was part of George Fernandes Legal Defense team in Baroda Dynamite case (1975-77) along with Swaraj Kaushal.

10. Marriage with Swaraj Kaushal

During the times of Emergency, Sushma Swaraj married Swaraj Kaushal on 13, July, 1973.

Swaraj Kaushal who was designated as Senior Advocate by Supreme Court of India at the young age of 34. And has also served as Governor of Mizoram (February 1990 to February 1993).

11. Youngest ever Cabinet Minister

In 1977, Sushma Swaraj became the youngest cabinet minister, at the age of 25, in the Janata Party Govt., headed by then Chief minister Devi Lal.

Sushma Swaraj sworn as youngest ever Cabinet Minister in the country in 1977

12. Of the many firsts to be honored

In 1979, at an young age of 27, Sushma Swaraj became State President of Janata Party, Haryana State.

She is also the first female Spokesperson of a national political party in India. Swaraj has many firsts to her credit as BJPs first female Chief Minister, General Secretary, Leader of Opposition, Union Cabinet Minister, Spokesperson and Minister of External Affairs.

13. Liberating Indian Film Industry

From the underworld to the legal papers, the journey of film production to make it to an industry, again made possible by Sushma Swaraj when she declared Indian film industry, thus making it eligible for bank finance.

Swaraj was Union Cabinet Minister for Information and Broadcasting at that time (1998).

14. First female Chief Minister of Delhi

Served as first female Chief Minister of Delhi for a short period in 1998 (13 October – 3 December).

IK Gujral with Chandrashekhar and the then Delhi Chief Minister Sushma Swaraj in May 1998.

15. Contested against Sonia Gandhi in 1999

Her popularity among the crowd can be clearly seen when she managed to get 358,000 votes in her favor in just 12 days of her campaign for the Bellary constituency in Karnataka, where she had contested against Sonia Gandhi.

Though she lost by a margin of 7%, Swaraj gave a good fight to Sonia Gandhi.

Sushma Swaraj waves to supporters during an election rally in Bellary in 1999.

16. Set up up six AIIMS

During her tenure as Union Health Minister (January 2003 to May 2004) she approved 6 All India Institute of Medical Sciences, at Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and Rishikesh.

But All 6 AIIMS were established later in 2012.

Health Minister of South Africa Dr. M. Tshabalalla M. Slmange with Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Smt. Sushma Swaraj, 2003

17. Honored with the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2004

First and only female MP till date to be honored with the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award.

She has been elected seven times as the member of the parliament, and three times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

18. Pushed Congress in formation of Telangana

Sushma Swaraj played a major role in passing Telangana Bill which let to formation of a separate state Telangana. Swaraj also has to argue with her own mentor Senior BJP Leader LK Advani for this.

And once she said:

“TELANGANA, WHEN YOU THANK SONIA AMMA FOR THE FORMATION OF TELANGANA STATE, DON’T FORGET YOUR CHINAMMA (SUSHMA SWARAJ REFERRING TO HERSELF)”

19. Second woman to be Minister of External Affairs

The second woman to be India’s Minister of External Affairs after Indira Gandhi.

Serving since 26, May, 2014, as Minister of External Affairs under Narendra Modi led NDA government.

20. A diplomatic genius

The crowning achievement of operation Rahat, during Yemen Crisis. When India helped manly countries including United Kingdom, Russia, United States, Pakistan etc.

21. Takes gemology and astrology a bit too seriously

A staunch believer in Astrology, she dresses and eats according to the stars.

22. Like parents, like daughter

Mother to a brilliant daughter, Bansuri Swaraj, an Oxford graduate, and a Barrister at Law, Bansuri has of course followed into the steps of her mother.

Sushma Swaraj (R) with her daughter Bansuri Swaraj(L)

23. Tweet and Viola! Solution!

Being one of t he most tech-savvy ministers, she is always there to help other in need. Many have got immediate help after they tweeted to Sushma Swaraj.