On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a significant publication of the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice, titled “The Life and Contributions of the Women Members of the Constituent Assembly” is being formally released. This scholarly work serves as a comprehensive tribute to fifteen distinguished women who played an instrumental role in drafting the Constitution of India but whose contributions have largely remained unrecognized in mainstream historical and legal discourse.
The book meticulously documents the contributions of these pioneering women, including lawyers, social reformers, and freedom fighters, who navigated and overcame entrenched structural barriers within a predominantly male-dominated political framework. Despite facing adversities, these women emerged as key voices in the Constituent Assembly, significantly influencing deliberations on fundamental rights, social justice, gender equality, and democratic governance.
This publication aims to bridge the historical gap by offering a detailed analysis of their speeches, debates, and legislative interventions, thereby highlighting their substantive influence on key constitutional provisions. The book also highlights the broader historical framework, tracing the evolution of women’s constitutional aspirations from the establishment of the Women’s Indian Association in 1917 to the eventual realization of political representation in independent India.
Key Features of the Book:
- Historical Context: An exploration of the trajectory of women’s political participation in public life in pre-independence Bharat and the framing of the Constitution for independent country and the journey thereafter.
- Profiles of Fifteen Eminent Women: This volume provides an in-depth account of the contributions of fifteen distinguished women who shaped India’s constitutional landscape. Among them, Smt. Ammu Swaminathan was a vocal advocate for gender equality in constitutional provisions, ensuring that women’s rights were duly recognized. Smt. Annie Mascarene played a key role in discussions on federalism and state integration, reinforcing India’s unity in diversity. Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, the only Muslim woman in the Assembly, stood as a staunch advocate for secularism, arguing for an inclusive national identity. Smt. Dakshayani Velayudhan, the first Dalit woman in the Assembly, fearlessly opposed untouchability and fought for the rights of marginalized communities. Smt. Durgabai Deshmukh was instrumental in shaping social welfare policies and promoting women’s education, contributing to India’s early framework for social justice.
Smt. Hansa Jivraj Mehta played a crucial role in drafting India’s fundamental rights, ensuring that gender justice remained at the core of constitutional debates. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, a pioneering stateswoman, was the architect of India’s public health policies and laid the foundation for modern healthcare in the country. Smt. Sarojini Naidu, called as the “Nightingale of India”, was an eloquent advocate for civil liberties, leaving a lasting impact on India’s democratic ethos. Smt. Sucheta Kripalani, who later became India’s first female Chief Minister, was a prominent voice in the Assembly and championed labour rights and governance reforms. Smt. Vijayalakshmi Pandit, a distinguished diplomat, strongly supported international cooperation and India’s role in global governance. The book further examines the contributions of other notable women who played an indispensable role in shaping India’s democracy and constitutional ideals.
- Constituent Assembly Debates: A compilation of key interventions by these women, underscoring their vision for an inclusive and egalitarian India.
The release of this volume is timely, given the ongoing discourse on women’s leadership and representation in national and global governance. It stands as an essential resource for legal scholars, historians, students, and citizens keen on understanding India’s constitutional history and the integral role women played in its formation.
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Samrat/Allen
