Veteran Congress Leader Girija Vyas Passes Away at 78: A Tribute to Her Life and Legacy

Veteran Congress Leader Gasses Away at 78: A Tribute to Her Life and LegacyIn a tragic incident that has shocked the political fraternity and citizens across India, Girija Vyas, a senior Congress leader, former Union minister, and women’s rights advocate, passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 78. She succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained during a Gangaur puja at her residence in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

The Incident That Led to Her Demise

The unfortunate event took place on March 31, 2025, when Girija Vyas was performing aarti during the Gangaur puja—a festival celebrated in Rajasthan to honor Goddess Gauri. During the ceremony, her dupatta accidentally caught fire from a nearby lamp. Despite immediate attempts to extinguish the flames and provide first aid, she sustained critical burn injuries.

Initially, she was admitted to a hospital in Udaipur. However, due to the severity of her injuries, she was later shifted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, for advanced treatment. After battling for her life for nearly a month in intensive care, she breathed her last on the evening of May 1.

A Political Journey of Dedication and Service

Girija Vyas was a stalwart of the Indian National Congress (INC) and had a long, illustrious career in Indian politics. She served the nation in various roles and made significant contributions to women’s empowerment, education, and housing development.

Key Political Roles:

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in 2013.
Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) from 2005 to 2011.
Three-time Member of Parliament (MP) from the Udaipur constituency.
President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee.

Girija Vyas was known for her oratory skills, commitment to social causes, and unwavering dedication to public service. As the NCW Chairperson, she fought relentlessly for women’s rights, addressed gender-based violence issues, and pushed for policy reforms to uplift women across the country.

Educational and Cultural Contributions

Before stepping into the political arena, Dr. Girija Vyas was a distinguished academician. She held a PhD in Literature and authored several books in Hindi and English, including collections of poetry and essays. Her literary works often reflected her deep understanding of societal issues and women’s struggles in a patriarchal society.

Her cultural sensitivity and scholarly background made her a unique voice in Indian politics—blending intellect with activism.

Public Homage and Funeral Details

Her body has been brought back to her hometown, Udaipur, where her funeral is scheduled for May 2, 2025. As per reports, her body will be kept at her residence in Deityamagri from 10 AM to 12 noon for the public to pay their last respects. The last rites will be performed at 4 PM on the same day.

Several local leaders, party workers, and citizens are expected to attend the funeral to bid farewell to one of Rajasthan’s most respected public figures.

Tributes from Political Leaders

Her demise has triggered a wave of condolences from leaders across the political spectrum.

Ashok Gehlot:

https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/rajasthan/udaipur/video/former-cm-met-girijas-family-members-in-ahmedabad-gehlot-reached-hospital-meets-girija-vyass-family-doctors-to-enquire-about-her-health-134771026.html?type=video

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed deep sorrow and termed her passing as an “irreparable loss” to Indian politics and society. He said, “Girija Vyas dedicated her life to the betterment of society, especially women and the underprivileged. Her work will always be remembered.”

Rahul Gandhi:

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to the departed leader, highlighting her long-standing commitment to women’s rights and social justice. He mentioned that Vyas’s work as a minister and NCW chairperson inspired many young women to enter public service.

Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of mourning, with hashtags like #GirijaVyas, #RIPGirijaVyas, and #CongressLeaderTribute trending nationwide.

A Legacy That Will Live On

Girija Vyas was not just a politician; she was a poet, educator, and reformist. Her career stood as a testament to what dedication and empathy can achieve in public life. Whether it was leading mass movements for women’s safety or initiating urban poverty alleviation schemes, she brought sincerity and intellect to everything she did.

Her multifaceted legacy will continue to inspire generations of Indian politicians, especially women, to take up leadership roles and serve society with integrity and compassion.

Conclusion: India Bids Adieu to a True Daughter of the Soil

As India mourns the untimely demise of Dr. Girija Vyas, her contributions to Indian politics, social reform, and education remain etched in the hearts of the people. Her sudden and tragic passing serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the immense impact one individual can make through dedicated service.

Her memory will not fade—her work, values, and vision for a just and inclusive society will continue to shape India’s democratic fabric.

Khaber Dhara

Veteran Congress Leader Girija Vyas Passes Away at 78: A Tribute to Her Life and Legacy

The Incident That Led to Her Demise