Women, a word that has both women and men in it, truly describes its meaning and the power it holds within itself. Women around the world have been the epitome of courage and sacrifice. They have been an integral part of every war of struggle. The contributions made by women have been immense. Be it world wars or Indian freedom struggles, women have always stood shoulder to shoulder with men and proved their sheer dedication and love for the country.
On this republic day, we will be looking at some women freedom fighters in the Indian Freedom struggle who proved that no obstacle was large that could stop them from expressing their love for the country and fighting in whichever way possible so that they can make their country free from the shackles of foreign rule.
First in line is Bhikaji Cama:
Bhikaji Cama was the first Indian to hoist the Indian Flag that too on foreign soil in Stuttgart, a city in Germany on August 21, 1907. She was an Indian social activist and a fierce lady who dedicated herself to the country. The Britishers prohibited her from entering India without signing a statement stating staying away from political activities. she rejected that and started her journey for the freedom struggle from Europe.
second is Sucheta Kriplani:
Sucheta Kriplani was the first female chief minister of free India. She has been an active fighter in the ripe days of the 1940s. She worked under the guidance of her husband Acharya Kriplani and Mahatma Gandhi. She bunked her college lectures to take part in social activities and led rehabilitation work in partition and the riots that followed.
third is Savitribai Phule:
Formerly known as the first female Indian teacher. Savitribai with help from her husband Jyotiba Phule got an education after marriage. Not just this, she used that education to teach many women and children in Maharashtra. Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule went to start over 50 schools in Maharashtra. Despite facing constraints and protests from the orthodox community, she was dedicated to her motive of educating as many as she can. Savitribai even started night school for the working community.
fourth is Annie Besant:
Not being an Indian, still, she was drawn towards India. Annie Besant was an Irish woman who took an active part in the freedom struggle of India and made huge contributions.
she was an active political activist, freedom fighter and leader of the anti-Church movement and women’s rights. She worked diligently with Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and found the Home Rule League which proved to be a turning point in the freedom struggle.
These were the name of just a few who made notable contributions in shaping the India that we see today.
Written by:
Rinni Maheshwari
