Women Who Shaped the Indian Constitution: A Tribute to Their Contributions

NEWS CHARIOT : January 26, 1950, marks a historic moment in India’s journey to freedom as the Indian Constitution came into effect, officially declaring India a Republic. The day not only commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution but also serves as a reminder of the visionary leaders who crafted it, including several remarkable women who played an indispensable role in its creation. These women, through their participation in the Constituent Assembly, shaped the future of the nation and stood as symbols of strength, perseverance, and advocacy for equality. Let’s take a closer look at some of these extraordinary women:

1. Amma Swaminathan
   A lawyer by profession, Amma Swaminathan was a strong advocate for women’s rights and played a significant role in the Indian freedom movement. She co-founded the Women’s India Association in 1917.
2. Dakshayani Velayudhan
   India’s first educated Dalit woman, Dakshayani was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1946. She passionately worked for the rights of scheduled castes.
3. Begum Aijaz Rasul
   The only Muslim woman in the Constituent Assembly, Begum Aijaz Rasul worked on minority rights and education. She was later elected to both the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the Rajya Sabha.
4. Durga Bai Deshmukh
   An active freedom fighter, Durga Bai Deshmukh participated in the Salt Satyagraha and later became a member of the Constituent Assembly. She worked towards women’s empowerment through education and social welfare initiatives.
5. Hamsa Mehta
   A reformer, writer, and educator, Hamsa Mehta played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights. She worked tirelessly in the Bombay Legislative Assembly and represented India at the United Nations.
6. Kamala Chowdhury
   A leader in the civil disobedience movement, Kamala Chowdhury was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Uttar Pradesh in 1946 and later worked in the Lok Sabha.
7. Leela Rai
   Leela Rai, India’s first woman editor, was deeply involved in the independence movement. She later worked on promoting women’s rights and welfare.
8. Malati Chowdhury
   Malati Chowdhury actively worked towards providing education to rural areas and fought for social reform and women’s rights.
9. Purnima Banerjee
   A freedom fighter who participated in the Quit India movement, Purnima Banerjee advocated for secular education and spoke for the sovereignty of the people in the Constituent Assembly.
10. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
    India’s first Health Minister, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was a key advocate for universal suffrage, uniform civil code, and worked on setting up AIIMS and the Indian Council of Child Welfare.
11. Renuka Ray
    Renuka Ray worked towards removing the loopholes in laws concerning women and played a crucial role in the Constituent Assembly. She later served as a Minister of State for Relief and Rehabilitation in West Bengal.
12. Sarojini Naidu
    Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu was a prominent poet and an active leader in the independence movement. She became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress and also worked in the Constituent Assembly advocating for secularism and universal suffrage.
13. Suchita Kriplani
    Suchita Kriplani contributed significantly to the formation of the Indian Constitution. She was actively involved in the Quit India Movement and famously sang “Vande Mataram” before Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech.
14. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit
    Sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vijay Lakshmi Pandit became India’s first woman cabinet minister. She held the position of Minister of Local Self-Government and Public Health in 1937.
15. Annie Mascarene
    A key contributor to the drafting of the Indian Constitution, Annie Mascarene also worked on the Hindu Code Bill and served as the first woman Health and Electricity Minister in the Travancore-Cochin government in 1949.

These women were instrumental not just in the drafting of the Constitution but also in laying the foundation for India’s democratic and inclusive governance. Their efforts were pivotal in ensuring that the voices of marginalized sections, especially women and minorities, were heard and represented in the shaping of the nation’s laws. As we celebrate Republic Day, it is essential to honor these women whose contributions continue to inspire generations.