Dakshayani Velayudhan Digital Archive
for Constitutionalism and Gender Rights
The making of the Indian Constitution was a significant and collaborative effort, involving the contributions of many individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women. While women were not as prominently represented as men in the Constituent Assembly, there were notable female figures who played crucial roles in the process. While the number of women in the Constituent Assembly was relatively low, their influence and contributions were impactful. The Indian Constitution itself reflects principles of equality and justice, which includes provisions for gender equality, and women have continued to play vital roles in shaping and interpreting the legal framework of the country. This is an intervention to mark those unmarked contributions.
-
AMMU SWAMINATHAN
Ammu Swaminathan, born in 1894 in Palakkad, Kerala, embarked on a journey that encompassed various facets of social and political activism. Her pursuit of English education and subsequent move to Madras following her marriage to S. Swaminathan marked the beginning of her involvement in the political and women’s rights movement. KEY INFORMATION Party Indian National…
-
ANNIE MASCARENE
Annie Mascarene’s life, spanning from June 6, 1902, to July 19, 1963, is a testament to her trailblazing journey in the political landscape of Kerala and India. Born into a Latin Catholic family in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, she broke gender barriers and became a prominent figure in the fight for independence and the framing of India’s…
-
BEGUM AIZAZ RASUL
Begum Aizaz Rasul, born into the princely family of Malerkotla, Punjab, exhibited early political engagement. Her life unfolds as follows: Early Life: Born on April 2, 1909, in Punjab. Involved in politics from a young age, attending conferences with her father and serving as his secretary. Defied traditional norms like the purdah system. Role in…
-
DAKSHAYANI VELAYUDHAN
Biography Dakshayani Velayudhan, a trailblazer in many aspects, unfolded her life as follows: Early Life: Born on July 4, 1912, on the island of Bolgatty of Cochin. Leader of oppressed Classes and the first woman from Scheduled Castes to graduate in India. Science graduate, belonging to the Pulaya community. Attribute Information Full Name Dakshayani Velayudhan…
-
DURGABAI DESHMUKH
Durgabai: A Visionary Leader and Freedom Fighter Durgabai Deshmukh, born on July 15, 1909, in Rajahmundry, was not just a political figure but a beacon of inspiration in India’s tumultuous journey towards independence. As a key member of the Indian National Congress, her legacy transcends political boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the nation. Aspect…
-
HANSA JIVRAJ MEHTA
Born on July 3, 1897, to the Dewan of Baroda Manubhai Nandshankar Mehta, Hansa Mehta studied journalism and sociology in England. Along with being a reformer, social activist, and educator, she was also the granddaughter of Nandshankar Mehta, the author of the first Gujarati novel Karan Ghelo. She participated in various freedom movements aligned with…
-
KAMLA CHAUDHARY
Kamla Chaudhary, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, emerged from an affluent family in Lucknow. Despite familial expectations, she devoted herself to the nationalist cause, actively participating in Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. Born on 22nd February 1908, Kamla Chaudhary played multifaceted roles as a feminist, fictional writer, and political activist. Basic…
-
LEELA ROY
Leela Roy, an indomitable spirit born on October 2, 1900, in Goalpara, Assam, left an indelible mark as a radical leftist Indian woman politician, social reformer, and a close associate of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Her legacy encompasses multifaceted contributions to women’s empowerment, education, and the political landscape of India during the crucial period of…
-
MALATI CHOUDHURY
Born on July 26, 1904, in Calcutta to a family deeply entrenched in politics, Malati Chaudhary was destined to become a formidable force in India’s fight for freedom. At the age of 16, she chose the path of unconventional wisdom, foregoing traditional education to join Visva Bharti in Shantiniketan in 1921. Here, under the influence…
-
PURNIMA BANERJEE
Purnima Banerjee’s involvement in the freedom struggle paralleled the contributions of prominent figures such as Sucheta Kripalani, Vijaylakshmi Pandit, and Uma Nehru. Beyond the streets and protests, Banerjee’s role as Secretary of the Allahabad City Congress Committee showcased her dedication to grassroots engagement. In the Constituent Assembly, her interventions left a lasting impact on the…