Bhikaji Cama

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Overview

Bhikhaji Cama (née Patel) born Mumbai, India September 24, 1866 (d. 1936). Indian independence leader; unfurled first tricolor flag at Socialist conference Stuttgart 1907; anti-imperialist; banned from India, arrested in France for antiwar activity 1914; interned 1916; nonviolent, but accepted resistance to violence; did relief work against the plague, which she caught 1896.

Quotations

“Work for Indian's freedom and independence. When India is independent women will not only [have] the right to vote, but all other rights.” (Geraldine Forbes, Women in Modern India, p. 100; photo Wikipedia)

Sarala Devi Chaudhurani

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Overview

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Sarala Devi Chaudhurani born Jorasanko, Kolkata, India September 9, 1872 (d. 1945). Indian nationalist leader, "Bengal's Joan of Arc"; favorite of Gandhi; feminist; singer and composer; polyglot writer; teacher and social reformer (dowry); Theosophist.

Quotations

"How can we attain rights? By the strength of our agitation." (Tamil Nadu Women's Conference, in Geraldine Forbes, Women in Modern India, Vol. 4, p. 154, 1996; photo Wikipedia)

Mary Albee Chesley

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Overview

Mary Albee Chesley AKA Tarabehn born Nova Scotia, Canada July 30, 1891 (d. 1936). Canadian Gandhian. Served as itinerant banker to rural women; raised funds for Russian and Chinese famine relief, aid to German children; Quaker family; died of pneumonia on pilgrimage to Hindu Buddhist holy site Badri-Kedar on Tibetan frontier. Described by Gandhi “one of the noblest women had the good fortune to meet.” (Harijan, May 16, 1936).

Rama Devi Choudhury

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Overview

Rama Devi Choudhury born Satyabhamapur, Cuttack, India December 3, 1899 (d. 1985). Gandhian leader; mother of activist Annapurna Maharana. Arrested on three occasions during independence movement, 1921, 1936, 1942; participated in Salt Movement; organized Gandhi's visit to the state of Orissa; walked 2400 miles with Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan in Orissa. Organized relief for refugees from Bangladesh violence; helped in famine relief efforts, Koraput, 1951.