Did you know: Jayalalithaa shared a unique bond with Hillary Clinton

Amma is no more! The entire nation is aggrieved. She has, however, left behind an epoch that speaks of bravery, endowment, discretion and austerity. J Jayalalithaa was an iconic leader, who baked a road from cinema to politics and became the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. She was a leader who skilfully mastered the art of comeback, despite setbacks. Jayalalithaa died on Monday night after a day of suspense and political drama in Chennai, losing a 75-day battle with a severe illness that ended in a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening.

In her political career, Jayalalithaa built ties with many leaders across the world -- all inspired by her in some way. One such assiociation that Amma had was with Hillary Clinton. According to a report , AIADMK'S Coonoor MLA  A Ramu once said Hillary Clinton decided to contest the US Presidential elections only after being inspired by Jayalalithaa to do so. This meeting between the two ladies took place in July 2011, when Clinton was the US Secretary of State. It is believed that Clinton was so motivated, especially with Amma's leadership attributes, accomplishments and competence, that she soon became the Democratic Party nominee. This meeting took place just three years after Clinton contested and lost the 2008 Democratic Primaries.

Soon after Clinton's candidature was confirmed, Jayalalithaa sent a letter on June 17 this year, giving another proof of the ties. "Kindly accept my heartiest congratulations on clinching the nomination as the Democratic party's candidate for the election of the president of the US. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for all the women in the world and, in particular, women in democratic electoral politics, that you have become the first woman to be a candidate of one of the two major political parties in the US for the presidency. In creating history, you have given voice and hope to the cause of woman empowerment across the world," Jayalalithaa wrote in the letter. 

The acquaintance of Amma and Clinton is quite evident from their Chennai meet too. When Clinton and Jayalalithaa met in Chennai, the two discussed various topics of common interest, ranging from social, political and economic issues. This further proves the bond Amma had with Clinton. During this meet, the two discussed the issue of displaced Sri Lankan Tamils and how many of them had taken refuge in Tamil Nadu. Clinton said the US was looking at some progressive ideas to interrupt the impasse and enable Sri Lankan Tamils in camps to get back to their own homes. They also talked about bilateral trade, the number of H-1B visas issued being reduced, and the automobile sector in the state.