Who is Michelle Bachelet, former Chile President awarded Indira Gandhi Prize 2024

In her remarks, Bachelet expressed her deepest gratitude: “It is a true privilege to be once again in India, a country of extraordinary cultural richness, profound history, and vibrant diversity. Today, I wish to pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Indira Gandhi, a visionary woman and a tremendous source of inspiration for so many people around the world.”

Who is Michelle Bachelet ?

Bachelet is a Chilean politician, paediatrician, and global human rights advocate who has held some of the most influential positions in international public life. Born on 29 September 1951 in Santiago, she grew up during a period of political upheaval in Chile. Her father, Air Force Brigadier General Alberto Bachelet, died in prison after opposing Augusto Pinochet’s 1973 military coup, an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to democracy and social justice.

Bachelet trained as a doctor and later specialised in public health, before entering politics with the Socialist Party. In 2006, she became Chile’s first woman president, serving two non-consecutive terms (2006–2010 and 2014–2018). Her presidencies focused on expanding social welfare, improving education access, reducing poverty, and advancing gender equality. She earned strong domestic and international recognition for her consensus-driven leadership style.

Beyond Chile, Bachelet has played a prominent role on the global stage. She served as the first executive director of UN Women from 2010 to 2013, helping to establish the agency and shape its early priorities. From 2018 to 2022, she was the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, where she oversaw reports on global crises, upheld international law, and advocated for marginalised communities worldwide.

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