Gandhi so gorgeous

It was only when Indira stepped onto the political platform that coy cotton turned a power statement. Suddenly, the saree came to be seen as a crisp, sharp, self-expressing symbol of feminism and fortitude. The trendsetter may be no more, but the six yards of strength still drape some of the country's most popular leaders. We score them against the original stylista

It was only when Indira stepped onto the political platform that coy cotton turned a power statement. Suddenly, the saree came to be seen as a crisp, sharp, self-expressing symbol of feminism and fortitude. The trendsetter may be no more, but the six yards of strength still drape some of the country's most popular leaders. We score them against the original stylista



Streak peek
A salt-n-pepper mop was never so sophisticated. Indira's famous white streak on a bob inspired many a movie. Remember Suchitra Sen's look in Gulzar's controversial classic Aandhi, or more recently, Anusha Dandekar in Viruddh?
White was never more right, and hairstylists say the look is immortal, age no bar.

Older women ask for this style and give the Indira reference. She made it popular with the grace she carried it off with
Ambika Pillai

Technically, grey-white colouring isn't possible. Extensions are the only way to achieve that looku00a0
Jawed Habib

Designer speak
I have always admired the saris that Indira Gandhi wore. She was perfect in her selection and the way she carried them. She represented the Indian handloom weave in the best possible way. With her began its patronising.u00a0u00a0
Neeru Kumar (designs sarees for Sheila Dikshit, Sonia Gandhi, Arundhati Roy and Rekha, among others)

I think Sonia Gandhi does a great job in carrying off the saree, considering that she is not of Indian origin. I think she, along with Priyanka (gandhi vadra), does a great job in forwarding the Gandhi legacy started by Indirau00a0u00a0
Namrata Joshipura

Sonia Gandhi is the ideal bahu, adapting and slowlyu00a0 growing into her mother-in-law's style statement. But she does it with a formal twist. Her pallus are always in pleated perfection. No loose ends here. Sheila Dikshit is more casual. Though drab at times, the Delhi CM has made hand-woven silks and cottons a power icon the capital.	J Jayalalitha's silks may be heavy, but how else can you hide bullet-proof jackets?
Sushma Swaraj is never seen without her wide-bordered saris, her prim housewife look highlighted with pinned-up pallus.	Mamata Banerjee has taken cheap, Bengal cotton saris places.

All in a name

So much in the country still happens in Indira's name. Some institutions and what's come of them

>>Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Status: Just got a swish makeover, complete with fast food stalls, easy cab counters and chillout zones. The parking though, goes up to Rs 80.

>>Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi
Status: Among other exhibition spaces, the arts centre has a library and a cultural informatics lab which 'applies technology tools for cultural preservation and propagation', but is frequented only about once a fortnight for an odd art show bu culture vultures.u00a0

>>Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi
Status: At one point in time, it was the only option for those who made it nowhere else. Today, young corporates consider its degrees and diplomas a value add to their primary education portfolio.

>>Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports, New Delhi
Status: Alive and kicking when it comes to sports education. Affiliated to Delhi Universityu00a0

>>Indira Gandhi Stadiums in New Delhi, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Una (Himachal Pradesh), Visakhapatnam and Deogarh, Rajasthan
Status: May not be the most active in their respective areas, but nevertheless some of the better maintained ones

>>Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
Status: The two-year old, which teaches tribal art, rare culture and customs, is backed byu00a0 the University Grants Commission. It is yet to make a mark.

>>Indira Gandhi Dock, Mumbai
Status: One among many, with business as usual.

>>Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Dhenkanal , Orissa
Status: Though not considered a frontrunner in its league, it continues to be a preferred option for those who don't make it to the IITs.

>>Indira Gandhi National Park, Annamalai Hills on Western Ghats
Status: A rather overlooked tourist spot. Needs better marketing.

>>Indira Gandhi Zoological Park , New Delhi and Visakhapatnam
Status: Local favs, but we're sure you didn't know the good ol' National zoo in the capital was earlier named after the Iron Lady!