Maneka Gandhi is an Indian politician, animal rights activist, environmentalist, and author. After a brief stint as a model, Gandhi started her career as the founder editor of a political magazine called ‘Surya.’ She entered politics in 1982 after the demise of her husband Sanjay Gandhi. She founded a political party called ‘Rashtriya Sanjay Manch’ which focused on youth empowerment. In 1988, she joined the ‘Janata Dal’ party and went on to become its general secretary. She became the minister for environment in November 1989 when she won her first election to Parliament. She currently serves as the ‘Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development.’ Maneka Gandhi is also famous for her work as an environmentalist and animal rights activist. In 1999, she was honored with ‘Venu Menon Animal Allies Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.’ She is also a recipient of the prestigious ‘Rukmini Devi Arundale Animal Welfare Award.’
