Bengaluru: The word “team” is not merely a word. It signifies the psychological bond its members share as they are bound by a common goal. 

Extend this definition to the team Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in his first term as the prime minister. Sushma Swaraj was the external affairs minister then and played a stellar role in promulgating Modi’s schemes abroad in general and raising India’s stature on a global platform specifically.

In simple words, Modi was blessed to have a meticulous, caring and a concerned minister like Sushma in his Cabinet.

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It was her humanitarian approach to even the most knotty issues that won her several admirers across the globe. She would readily extend her help to anyone who sought on the social media and ensure it was translated into action in reality.

Be it granting visa to solving passport issues based on religion or ensuring foreigners entered Indian territories hassle-free for medical reasons, Sushma only ensured that brand Modi was sold with a phenomenal impact on foreign soils.

Says Shreenath Sheshadri, a BJP spokesperson, “She was supportive to the NRIs in Arab and other countries. She took up their cause and ensured they got it resolved. None of her efforts were half-hearted or desultory. Such a noble endeavour automatically helped Brand Modi. She did it by action. Many of them were extremely happy that the external affairs ministry responds quickly. Her humanitarian gestures, cutting across sex, castes, creeds and even nationalities only increased Modi’s charm.”

Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday (August 6) at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) due to a cardiac arrest.

Just like former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru eulogised BR Ambedkar as the crown jewel in his Cabinet, Modi too would concur honouring Sushma with the same epithet in his first tenure.

His gratitude was evident when he paid glowing tributes to the leader by saying “she worked tirelessly as the external affairs minister”.

And lastly, it wasn’t just Modi. Even the press endearingly called her a “supermom” which stands testimony to her altruism.