India goes to the UN

In 1946, an Indian woman made history by leading her country’s first delegation to the United Nations.

Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit described it as a moment that reshaped her life.

As the sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, she was already in the public eye, but stepping onto the global stage was far from easy. She grappled with doubt before accepting the role at the United Nations.

This programme is made in collaboration with BBC Archives. Produced and presented by Gill Kearsley.

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(Photo: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit speaking at the United Nations. Credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)