In 1947, the country of India broke free from Britain—thanks to a hardworking Indian woman.
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was born into one of India's wealthiest families. (In English, the name “Lakshmi” means “goddess of gold”!) She spent her childhood at a ranch where she rode horses and ponies. Vijaya's father loved her dearly. He made sure that she got the best possible education. The young Vijaya soon became famous. She was smart, charming, and terribly pretty.
As she grew older, Vijaya saw conflict brewing in her country. The Indians and British did not get along. Her brother, Jawaharlal Nehru, was arrested for protesting the British government.
Vijaya realized what she had to do: join the struggle for India's independence. It was a nonviolent struggle, without armies or guns. Few countries had ever become independent without making war. But Vijaya was determined to keep the cause peaceful. She became the first woman minister of the local government. Later, she traveled to Europe and the United States to seek support for her nation.
When India won its freedom, Vijaya's brother Nehru became the president of the whole country. And Vijaya was named India's chief ambassador. People all over knew her as a calm, serious, and thoughtful diplomat. Her hard work was further rewarded: in 1953, Vijaya became the first woman to be President of the United Nations General Assembly.