Indira returned to India and immediately became involved in the Indian independence movement. She actively participated in protests and rallies, working alongside other prominent leaders of the Congress Party.

Indira married Feroze Gandhi, a Parsi lawyer and journalist, despite initial opposition from her father due to caste and religious differences. Their marriage was a love match and marked a departure from traditional arranged marriages.

Indira and Feroze had two sons: Rajiv Gandhi (born in 1944) and Sanjay Gandhi (born in 1946). Raising her children while navigating her political involvement presented significant challenges.

After India's independence in 1947, Indira served as her father's official hostess during his tenure as Prime Minister. This role provided her with invaluable exposure to national and international politics. She became a close confidante and advisor to Nehru.

Indira was elected to the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the Indian National Congress, signaling her growing influence within the party.

Indira Gandhi was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress, a significant achievement that demonstrated her leadership capabilities and solidified her position as a major figure in Indian politics. She held this position for one year.

The death of Feroze Gandhi in 1960 was a personal tragedy for Indira. Despite their strained relationship in later years, Feroze's death deeply affected her. She had to shoulder the responsibility of raising her two sons alone.

Following Jawaharlal Nehru's death in 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri became Prime Minister. Indira was appointed as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in Shastri's cabinet. This marked her formal entry into the government.