Soong Ching ling

Soong Ching-ling was a Chinese political figure and philanthropist. She was the third wife of Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Qing dynasty and established the Republic of China. She was often referred to as Madame Sun Yat-sen and was considered the "mother of modern China". She was a member of the influential Soong family and, together with her siblings, played a prominent role in China's politics before and after 1949. She was one of the few women who participated in the Chinese revolution and supported the Communist Party of China (CPC) against the Kuomintang (KMT) led by her brother-in-law Chiang Kai-shek. She was also an advocate for women's rights, social welfare, and world peace. She founded the China Defense League in 1938 to raise funds and support for China's resistance against the Japanese invasion. She also established the China Welfare Institute in 1950 to provide health care, education, and cultural services for children and women. She held several high-ranking positions in the People's Republic of China (PRC) after its establishment in 1949, including Vice Chairwoman of the PRC, Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Honorary President of the PRC. She was the first and only woman to serve as the head of state of China. She was also a prolific writer and speaker, who published many articles, books, and speeches on various topics, such as the Chinese revolution, socialism, democracy, human rights, and international relations. She was widely respected and admired by the Chinese people and the international community for her dedication, integrity, and wisdom. She was awarded many honors and titles, such as the Stalin Peace Prize, the Order of the Nile, the Order of the Yugoslav Star, and the honorary doctorates from several universities. She was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize several times. She died of leukemia in Beijing on May 29, 1981, at the age of 88. She was given a state funeral and a national memorial service. Her ashes were placed next to her parents' grave in Shanghai. She was posthumously named the "Great Leader, Great Teacher, Great Friend, Great Comrade, and Great Mother of the Chinese People" by the CPC. She was also revered as a national heroine, a role model, and a symbol of courage and patriotism. Her legacy and influence are still felt and celebrated in China and around the world.