Nation fondly remembers Sushma Swaraj on her first death anniversary

 Leaving the entire nation shocked and saddened, Sushma Swaraj, the much-loved BJP leader left for heavenly abode on August 6, 2019  

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered senior BJP leader and former Union minister Sushma Swaraj on her first death anniversary on Thursday (August 6), saying she served India selflessly and was an articulate voice for the country at the world stage.

Former external affairs minister Swaraj died of cardiac arrest last year at the age of 67.

Hours before she died, Swaraj had tweeted praising the decision of the Modi government to abrogate Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

“Remembering Sushma Ji on her first Punya Tithi (death anniversary). Her untimely and unfortunate demise left many saddened,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

She served India selflessly and was an articulate voice for India at the world stage, Modi recalled.

He also shared a video of the remarks he had made at a prayer meeting organised in Swaraj's memory last year.

Referring to Swaraj's prompt response to Indians facing problems abroad, he had said she transformed the Ministry of External Affairs.

It used to be bound to protocol but she transformed it and made it oriented to people's call, he said.

Paying his tribute Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, “Sushma Ji was seen as an epitome of Indian culture. She was a blend of modern thinking and traditional values. She was always respectful towards seniors and elders. She was one of the most affable Indian politicians and treated everybody with warmth and affection.”

Remembering his predecessor, EAM Dr S Jaishankar shared a collage of pictures. "Today, more than ever, remember her fondly. Always an inspiration," Dr Jaishankar tweeted.

Various BJP leaders, led by party chief JP Nadda, also paid tributes to Sushma Swaraj.

It wasn’t just the leaders, ministers across parties and people alike are fondly remembering her today.