Page 28 - Mann Ki Baat English
P. 28
A Strong Advocate of Gender Equality
Hansa Jivraj Mehta
In September 1919, a 22-year-
Friends, Hansa Mehta ji
had brought to the fore the old Gujarati woman, defying
contribution of women from all the conventions of her era,
over the country, right from the embarked on a journey across
making of our National Flag to
sacrificing their lives for its sake. the seas to Britain to pursue her
She was of the belief that the studies at the London School of
saffron colour in our tricolour Economics—a path very unlikely
also reflects this sentiment.
She had expressed confidence for women of her times. Her
that our woman power would name was Hansa Mehta, a name
make its valuable contribution that would soon echo through
in making India strong and
prosperous; today her words history as a fierce nationalist,
are proving to be true. a trailblazing feminist, and the
first woman to break barriers
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(in 'Mann ki Baat' address) as the Vice Chancellor of a co-
educational university in India.
Born in 1897 in Gujarat,
Hansa Mehta was raised in a
progressive environment that
encouraged education and
independent thought. She
pursued higher education at
Baroda College and later studied
journalism and sociology in
England. Exposure to global
ideas on democracy and gender
equality influenced her vision for
India. On returning, she joined
the freedom struggle, inspired by
Mahatma Gandhi’s call for self-
rule. She actively participated in
protests, mobilized women, and
advocated for social reforms
that would uplift Indian society.
24
24
