2 prominent institutes renamed in former MEA Sushma Swaraj's honor
The Central government on Thursday announced its decision to rename two prominent institutes in the honor of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The announcement comes on the eve of Swaraj's birth anniversary to honor her "invaluable contribution" to the Indian diplomacy. Swaraj, a beloved Union Minister, died last year in August after suffering a cardiac arrest. Here are more details.
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, Foreign Service Institute renamed after Swaraj
The Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) has been renamed the Sushma Swaraj Bhavan. It is a cultural center reflecting India's connection with its diaspora and is located in Delhi's Chanakyapuri. Further, the Foreign Service Institute, where Indian diplomats are trained, has been renamed the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS). It is located on Baba Gangnath Marg at the Old JNU Campus.
Institutes renamed in solemn tribute to Swaraj's invaluable contribution: MEA
A statement from the MEA said that the institutes have been renamed "in a solemn tribute to the invaluable contribution of former External Affairs Minister late Smt. Sushma Swaraj to Indian diplomacy." The statement added, "The announcement is being made on the eve of her birth anniversary falling on 14th February in honor of the legacy and decades of public service."
Swaraj was best known as an empathetic and devoted politician
As Foreign Minister, Swaraj won hearts for her compassion and humility. She was one of the most popular Foreign Ministers on Twitter, a platform through which she extended prompt support to Indians in distress globally. Notably, she was a seven-time MP. She was also the youngest Cabinet Minister, the first woman Delhi CM, and the first woman spokesperson of a national political party.
Swaraj suffered heart attack on August 6; died at hospital
When the BJP returned to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in May last year, Swaraj cited health complications to opt out of the new Cabinet. On the night of August 6, she was rushed to the emergency ward at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after suffering a cardiac arrest. Swaraj died soon after. She was 67.
