Hansa Mehta

Overview

Hansa Mehta born Surat, Gujarat, India July 3, 1897 (d. 1995). Nonviolent freedom fighter twice arrested in Gandhi's Salt Campaign; served five months in prison; feminist editor, educator and playwright; first Indian delegate to UN Human Rights Commission which drafted Universal Declaration, insisting that instead of "men" it read "all human beings are created free and equal"; chaired UN Human Rights committee on enforcement of rights; advocated Human Rights court; first delegate on UN Commission on Women; gave first Indian flag on behalf of women 1947; drafted Indian constitution; member of WILPF.