IntroductionThis is a Dakini Conversations interview podcast (June 1 2026) with a woman who needs little introduction in India: Maneka Gandhi. She is widely known not only as a former member of the socially and politically influential Gandhi family, but also as a leading animal rights advocate, founder of major animal welfare initiatives, environmentalist, vegan campaigner, author, and former Union Minister for Women and Child Development.When I first searched online for a prominent animal welfare campaigner in India to interview, Maneka Gandhi’s name immediately came up. At the time, I knew little of her remarkable and tragic personal history. Only after she kindly and immediately accepted my interview request did I learn more: that she was the daughter-in-law of India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated, and the widow of Sanjay Gandhi, who died in a plane crash just 100 days after the birth of their son, when Maneka was only 23 years old.Despite such profound loss, Maneka Gandhi went on to build a life not only as a leading female politician but notable public service to animals and the environment. With the money left to her by her late husband, she founded an animal welfare hospital and later established People for Animals, now one of India’s largest animal welfare organisations. She has been active in Indian politics for over 30 years, and has written several books on animal rights, law, and etymology.This was my first time meeting and speaking with Maneka Gandhi, whom people address as Mrs. Gandhi ji. We had agreed in advance that I would not focus on her personal or political life, but on her activities in animal welfare, the environment, vegan diet, and women.Although we had never met before, Maneka—now 70—was open, direct, approachable yet someone who did not suffer fools too gladly (a bit like myself in that respect). She also shared some fascinating reflections and personal anecdotes including how she had told the 14th Dalai Lama to stop "boasting" about eating meat for health as it had a negative influence on people. But also, how conversely, how the 17th Karmapa influenced vegetarianism and animal rights in India in a very positive way and was like an "angel" in that respect. She also shared her thoughts on a popular belief that the Buddha was poisoned by pork as his final meal, as a mistranslation of the original Pali. Other topics, included how she had wanted to ban Tibetans from India, for their role in wildlife hunting (for an animal skins), her views on meat as being the main issue in all environmental concerns and even conflict between Hindus and Muslims (due to their wanting to eat beef/cow).For the record, I do not follow Indian politics and remain entirely impartial in that sphere. My reason for inviting Maneka Gandhi was to highlight her significant and beneficial work for animals in India. We also touched briefly on her work for women, including some of her achievements in that area, such as pensions.Whatever one’s political views, Maneka Gandhi stands as a prime example of resilience, intelligence, and courage—someone who has overcome immense hardship and used her life to benefit others in both public and private spheres. The fact that she, as a widower, lone mother and woman who has done that makes it even more inspiring.Two years ago, I noted, that Maneka said in an interview: “I believe my life only has meaning if it reduces some amount of suffering.” As a woman and a Buddhist, that statement deeply resonated with me, and it is one I was honoured to discuss with one of the most prominent, powerful and influential women in India.
