The Indian Constitution is a unique document that singularly reflects the aspirations of the people of this country. ‘We, the people of India’ Preamble, The Constitution of India is a powerful opening preambular statement with which this document reveals itself. The fact that this country chose to be a ‘sovereign, democratic, republic’ comes as no surprise. Severing its ties from British Imperialism was not easy. India fought resiliently, and as it did so, innumerable people of this land lost their lives in the pursuit of Independence. Various remarkable freedom fighters lead from the front in this fight against tyranny and foreign rule. Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandra Shekhar Azad were some of the very familiar names who contributed immensely during the freedom struggle. Notable female freedom fighters were Rani Lakshmi Bai, Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Savitribai Phule, Umbai Kundapur, Matangini Hazra, Aruna Asaf Ali, Bhikaji Cama, Tara Rani Srivasatava, Lakshmi Sahgal, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Sucheta Kriplani. India’s tryst with Independence was finally realized on 15th August 1947. The flag hoisting of the Tricolour (tiranga) was done by the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru on the ramparts of Red Fort, Delhi. This marks the end of British imperialism. But the task was still incomplete. India needed a roadmap to set forth social transformation. India was reeling under the influence of abject poverty, inequality, famine which shackled the limbs of this nation. India wanted to be set free. Hereon we saw in the form of ‘constituent assembly’ the formation of the Indian Constitution. This assembly held various meetings (for the first time, it held a meeting on December 9th 1946 in Central Hall of Parliament House) during its existence. This assembly had an enormous task. And that task is to frame the Constitution of this country. There were various notable members of the assembly viz., Rajendra Prasad, K. M. Munsi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, B. R. Ambedkar etc. Members of the constituent assembly played a very pivotal role in shaping the contour of the Indian Constitution. However, it has largely remained obscured the role played by the women members of the constituent assembly. Some of the notable women members and their role are illustrated herein:
Begum Aizaz Rasul: She was born on 2nd April, 1909. She was the daughter of Sir Zulfiqar Ali Khan. She was very instrumental in leading the consensus amongst the Muslim leadership to give up staunch demand for reserved seats based on religious minorities. She was against the concept of ‘separate minorities’ for Muslims. She played a significant role in popularizing women’s hockey.
Hansa Jivraj Mehta: She was born on 3rd July 1897. She contributed remarkably as a social activist. She was politically very active. She envisioned ‘reform’ as a crucial tenet for social upliftment and fought for India’s Independence. One significant contribution was her fight for gender equality. She served as the vice-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations in the year 1950.
Ammu Swami Nathan: She was born on the year 22nd April 1894. She was a bold and fearless woman, a remarkable social worker and a politician. Among various achievements, her role on various economic issues and problems of women workers were quite notable. She was quite active in India’s struggle for Independence. She was later on elected as a member of Rajya Sabha from Madras State.
Malati Choudhury: She was born on the year 26th July 1904. She was staunch ‘Gandhian’. She fought for Indian civil rights. She fought for the cause of oppressed members of society with untiring zeal. She later on also joined the ‘bhoodan movement’ organized by Acharya Vinoba Bhave. She was very active and trenchantly raised her voice against ’emergency’.
Dakshayani Velayuudhan: She was born on 4th July 1912. She belonged to the Pulayar Community. She was the only Dalit woman to be elected to the Constituent Assembly, she served as a member of the assembly. Velayudhan’s life and politics were influenced and defined by the rigid caste system. She contributed to breaking the rigid caste oppressions, especially helping in the empowerment of Dalits.
It cannot be overstated that these women played a major role. Their contributions were indelible. We owe to their fights and sacrifices as India strives for social justice and entrenching its position in the global order.
Amit Sachdeva,
First Year, LLB (H)
Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist,
Founder Mahatma Award
and known as the CSR Man of India
