Durgabai Deshmukh

Overview

Durgabai Deshmukh born Rajahmundry, Andra Pradesh, India July 15, 1909 (d. 1981). Lawyer; postwar legislator; social reformer, Gandhian freedom fighter; nonviolent organizer from age 14; known as "[the] Mother of Social Service." While training nonviolent resisters, called "lioness" and "dictator of Madras." Arrested three times, sentenced to 9 months for participation in Salt Satyagraha, 1930; 3 years sentence, 1932; again, 1942. (photo womensweb.ind)