India’s parliament elects its first woman speaker

India's Parliament yesterday elected its first woman speaker, who is also a member of the formerly untouchable, low-caste Dalit community.

Meira Kumar (64) was elected unopposed by a voice vote in India’s 543-member lower house of parliament, following her Congress Party’s impressive win in the recent general elections.

"In electing you, we members of parliament pay tribute to the women of our country and the great contribution they have made." - Manmohan Singh, India's prime minister