Remembering Courageous Women: Pioneers Who Defied Norms and Made History

Dear Readers,

While the achievements of lawmakers are often remembered, the courageous women who broke barriers and challenged societal norms to pave the way for others are frequently overlooked. Lets remember them today.

Savitribai Phule

Savitribai Phule, alongside her husband Jyotiba Phule, led the charge for women’s education in India. In 1848, they established the first girls’ school in Bhidewada, Poona, operating out of Tatyasaheb Bhide’s residence. Despite marrying at the age of nine without literacy, Savitribai received education from her husband and further educated female students becoming the first female teacher of India.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi made history by becoming India’s first female physician in 1887, undertaking groundbreaking journeys abroad for Western medical training, including a historic visit to the United States.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi

SNDT Women's University

SNDT Women’s University stands as India’s and South-East Asia’s premier institution for women’s education, founded in 1916 by Maharshi Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve with the noble aim of advancing women’s education. The university celebrated its first five female graduates in 1921.

Kiran Bedi entered the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972, blazing a trail as the country’s first female officer.

Kiran Bedi

Justice M. Fathima Beevi

Justice M. Fathima Beevi broke barriers by becoming the first female judge appointed to the Supreme Court of India in 1989.

Sarla Thakral made history by obtaining her pilot’s license at the age of 21, becoming the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft.

Sarla Thakral

Durga Banerjee

Durga Banerjee achieved the milestone of becoming India’s first female pilot and Indian Airlines captain in 1966.

Priya Jhingan realized her dream of serving in the Indian Army, becoming the first lady cadet to join in 1993.

Priya Jhingan

Harita Kaur Deol

Harita Kaur Deol soared to new heights as the first woman pilot to fly solo in the Indian Air Force in 1994.

Cornelia Sorabji, breaking barriers as the first woman to study law at Oxford University in the late 19th century, became the first female advocate in India and the first woman to practice law in both India and Britain.

Cornelia Sorabji

Arunima Sinha

Arunima Sinha, after surviving a tragic incident where she lost her leg, became the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest in 2013, showcasing incredible resilience and determination.

Kalpana Chawla made history as the first woman of Indian origin in space, serving as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 and later tragically losing her life in the Columbia disaster in 2003.

Kalpana Chawla

Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi, serving as India’s Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984, became the first and, to date, only female Prime Minister of India, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Kalpana Saroj, rising from a background of poverty and adversity, became a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for her work in empowering women and marginalized communities in India. She was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2013 for her contributions to society.