Celebrating Iconic Women of India: Past & Present

India has always been home to strong and inspiring women who have made a big impact in different field. From freedom fighters and leaders to scientists, athletes, and artists, they have broken barriers and achieved great success. Their courage, hard work and dedication continue to inspire generations. This article celebrates some of the most iconic women from India’s past and present who have shaped the nation’s history.

Iconic Women of India

India has been home to many iconic women who have made history with their courage, talent and determination. From freedom fighters like Rani Lakshmi Bai and Sarojini Naidu to leaders like Indira Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman, women have played a key role in shaping the nation. Sports stars like PV Sindhu and Mary Kom and achievers like Kalpana Chawla have inspired millions. Their contributions in various fields continue to motivate future generations to dream big and achieve greatness.

Ahilyabai Holkar, Female Fighter

Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725, in Chundi village, Maratha Empire. She is known as one of the greatest female rulers in India. After the death of her husband and father-in-law, she ruled Malwa wisely and brought peace to her kingdom. She prompted dharma (righteousness) and encouraged industries. She also led her army in battles, showing great bravery. Under her rule, Malwa remained peaceful and prosperous.

Sarojini Naidu, Freedom Fighter

Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad. She was a freedom fighter and a poet, known as the “Nightingale of India.” She played an important role in India’s fight for independence. In 1925, she became the President of the Indian National Congress. Later, in 1947, she became the first woman Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). She wrote many famous poems, such as The Golden Threshold and The Bird of Time.

Aruna Asaf Ali, Freedom Fighter

Aruna Asaf Ali was born on July 16, 1909, in Punjab. She was a freedom fighter and a political leader. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, she became famous for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay. She was an active member of the Indian National Congress and also participated in the Salt Satyagraha. After independence, she became Delhi’s first Mayor. She was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1997.

Savitribai Phule, India’s First Female Teacher

Savitribai Phule was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon village, Maharashtra. She was India’s first female teacher and a social reformer. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she worked for women’s education and fought against caste discrimination. In 1848, they started one of India’s first schools for girls in Pune. She was also a great poet and writer.

Anandi Gopal Joshi

Anandi Gopal Joshi was born on March 31, 1865, in Kalyan, Bombay Presidency. She was India’s first woman to study western medicine in the United States. She became a doctor and inspired many women to pursue higher education. After returning to India, she was appointed as a physician in the female ward of Albert Edward Hospital in Kolhapur.

Sucheta Kriplani, Freedom Fighter

Sucheta Kriplani was born on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, Punjab. She was a freedom fighter and politician. She actively participated in the Quit India Movement and was arrested by the British. She was India’s first woman Chief Minister and led the government of Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967. She also worked on drafting India’s Constitution and founded the All India Mahila Congress in 1940.

Lakshmi Sahgal, Freedom Fighter

Lakshmi Sahgal was born on October 24, 1914, in Anakkara, Madras Presidency. She was a freedom fighter and a doctor. She joined Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) and became the leader of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. She was called “Captain Lakshmi” because of her rank in the INA. She worked for women’s rights and medical care throughout her life.

Pratibha Devisingh Patil, India’s First Female President

Pratibha Devisingh Patil (born 19 December 1934), also known as Pratibha Patil Shekhawat, is an Indian politician and lawyer who served as the President of India from 2007 to 2012. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to assume this prestigious role.

Anna Chandy, India’s First Female Judge

Anna Chandy was born on April 5, 1905, in Trivandrum. She was India’s first female judge in 1937 and later became the first woman to serve as a High Court judge in 1959. She was a pioneer for women in the Indian judiciary and fought for gender equality in the legal system.

Kalpana Chawla, First Indian Woman to go to Space

Kalpana Chawla was born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Punjab. She became an astronaut and was the first Indian woman to go to space. She flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist. Tragically, she died in 2003 when Columbia broke apart while re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Her achievements continue to inspire young people worldwide to pursue career in space explorations.