In the history of India, there have been many female achievers who have done great things and everybody should know about it, especially the people right here in the country. You know, like, we know India as a patriarchal society (just like the rest of the world) but still, there have been some female figures who have their names heard through their great work, sacrifice, and achievements. So, if you have missed this particular chapter from the history book, but now you’re really intrigued about it all, then just keep on reading. Why? Well, here we’re about to take a good look at the top 10 female achievers in India who made history. So, let’s just get to it.
1. Rani Lakshmibai
If you want to learn the true meaning of the word “bravery,” well, then you must get to know the amazing story of Rani Lakshmibai. Sure, we have all read about her in the school history books, but if you pay attention to her story, it sounds like an action movie unfolding right in front of you. Of course, she fought the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 like a brave hero, you know? Like, just picture this young mother who ties her child to her back and moves forward waving her sword into battle. The fearless from Jhansi, she lives in the legend of her splendid fight, and the bravery to die on the battlefield, the thought of which sends goosebumps down her spine.
2. Indira Gandhi
Here’s a fun fact: Indira Gandhi wasn’t only India’s first female Prime Minister, she also was one of the most respected and effective PMs India has ever seen. Like, bold steps were taken, such as leading India through the 1971 Indo-Pak war and revolutionizing agriculture with the Green Revolution. Love her or hate her policies, you have to give it to her that she transformed India in ways that no one else dared could. Oh, and earned herself a Bharat Ratna too for her efforts, just so you know.
3. Kalpana Chawla
Ever liked touching the stars? Well, Kalpana Chawla did just that, just so you know. At some point in your life, you may have heard of her name, but if you don’t know why she is so famous, and where she’s now, well, just know that born in a small town in Haryana, she was the first woman of Indian origin to fly to space. Her journey is from Karnal to NASA. Indeed very inspiring. Although she lost her life in an airplane disaster in 2003, it reminds everyone that a dream can be as big as you want and if you dare to change it, well, you can very well do that.
4. Mother Teresa
Can you actually dedicate your whole life to serving others? Well, exactly that was Mother Teresa. She originated from Albania but became transformed into an Indian citizen who founded the Missionaries of Charity, you know? Sure enough, from sick and homeless to dying, it was her love and compassion that drove her to do all of that. She even won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. And now the legacy of Saint Teresa lives on brighter than ever, that’s for sure.
5. Savitribai Phule
This is a story to be inscribed in the pages of history, you know, like, Savitribai Phule became the first female teacher in India at a time when educating girls was considered taboo. Yes, that was a time in India’s history. In 1848, she and her husband opened a school for girls in Pune, breaking all the societal norms. Scorned and criticized, she fought all odds.
6. Kiran Bedi
Confined to the male population is what you think this world is all about? The worthy Kiran Bedi broke that mold in 1972 by being India’s first lady IPS officer, you know? Like, well-known for her no-nonsense attitude, she didn’t just uphold the law; she rewrote it! One of her coolest achievements? Turning Tihar Jail into a rehabilitation center. That tough-love thing works here.
7. Mary Kom
If there is one name that indicates determination, it is indeed Mary Kom, and how do we know that? Well, this small village girl from Manipur literally punched her way to becoming a world boxing champion six times. And yes, don’t forget that she also won a bronze medal at the Olympics, in 2012. Mary’s story is proof of their strength and grit, anyone can do it if she can do it. She is, indeed, the champ who put Indian women’s boxing on the global map.
8. Amrita Sher-Gil
Next on the list, you see, Amrita Sher-Gil was born in 1913, and came to India and this country’s art had never seen someone like her and her work. Why? Well, just so you know, Indian themes and European styles were mixed in such a way that the resulting works were bold, highly emotional, and much ahead of their time. In some way, think of her as India’s answer to Frida Kahlo, you know? The best would still speak volumes about life in rural India, even now, with paintings like “Group of Three Girls.”
9. Bachendri Pal
Mount Everest is no child’s play, but Bachendri Pal made a record when she reached the summit in 1984 as the first-ever Indian woman to do so, did you know that? Like, she didn’t only make it to the top; she moved mountains in the face of social expectations, extreme weather conditions, and everything else. Since then, she has been busy training young Indian mountaineers and proving that adventure knows no gender, that’s for sure.
10. Sarojini Naidu
Poet, freedom fighter, and the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress, Sarojini Naidu wore many hats, but how? Well, her eloquence in speech and poetry earned her the title “Nightingale of India.” She was not just a symbol of India’s independence movement but also its first female governor in independent India.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you go through the history pages of India, you’ll get to learn about so many female achievers who have done great things, but by far, these are the top 10 female achievers in India who made history. This was just a brief introduction to them, now it is your turn to get to know a little more about them.
Manoj Kumar, is a Service Manager at Rakesh Electronics, New Delhi. Manoj has 8 years of experience in dealing with home electronics products. Manoj is a freelance writer and share his knowledge at IndiasStuffs.com
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