Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. | Photo credit: PTI

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday (November 19, 2024) hailed the contribution of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in shaping laws and institutions protecting the environment and natural heritage, which he said made the subject to “systematic attacks” in recent years.

Mr. Ramesh’s remarks came on the occasion of Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

“Today is the 107th anniversary of the birth of an extraordinary woman, who was not only born into history but shaped it in so many ways. She often cited the advice of her great- father: There are those who work and there are those who work, those who brag about it; they try to be in the first group because there is much less competition! he said.

Indira Gandhi worked tirelessly, but without making grandiose statements, Mr. Ramesh said.

He said Indira Gandhi gave new impetus to Indian science and technology, especially in the fields of agriculture, space, atomic energy and defence.

“The public sector giants who have made the country proud owe a lot to his leadership,” he said.

The former environment minister said: “Today, as the capital chokes, we also remember Indira Gandhi, the deeply committed naturalist who shaped the laws and institutions meant to protect the environment and our natural heritage – which, unfortunately, have been systematically attacked in recent years. years.”

“She kept her word when she advocated maintaining ecological balance while pursuing economic growth,” Mr. Ramesh said.