Who is the First Woman Chief Minister in India?

The First Woman Chief Minister in India is Sucheta Kripalani (née Majumdar). She was elected as the CM of the Uttar Pradesh government from 1963 to 1967 from the Kanpur constituency. Thus paving the way for greater female participation in Indian politics. Additionally, Sucheta was a freedom fighter whom the British also arrested during the Quit India Movement. 

Who is Suchita Kripalani?

Sucheta was born on the 28th of June 1908 in Ambala, Haryana. She was the daughter of Surendranath Majumdar, a medical officer. 

• Sucheta’s life was deeply intertwined with India’s struggle for independence.  
• A graduate of History from St. Stephens College, she was drawn to the Freedom Movement.
• In addition, she became a close associate of Gandhi during the Partition riots.  
• Moreover, her political activism extended beyond rallies and protests. 
• Sucheta was also a Constitutional History professor at the Banaras Hindu University. 
• According to her book, An Unfinished Autobiography, she was very conscious about her intellect and appearance. She was a shy child who grew up with the changing political times that later shaped her personality. 
• In the year 1936, Sucheta married Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani of the INC. The marriage took place even though Gandhi as well as her family were against the couple. 

Did you know? On the 14th of August 1947, moments before J. Nehru delivered his iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech in the Independence Session of the Constituent Assembly, Sucheta sang Vande Mataram, marking a sentimental moment in India’s history.

Achievements of the First Woman Chief Minister

Furthermore, Sucheta’s political career flourished after independence.

• She founded the All India Mahila Congress, a strong organization that continues to advocate for women’s rights in India even today.
• Additionally, she was a part of the Constituent Assembly of India. 
• As the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Sucheta focused on social welfare and development.
  • She prioritised education, particularly for girls, believing it was key to empowering women.  
  • She also championed initiatives aimed at improving public health and rural infrastructure.

While her term was relatively short, Sucheta’s leadership broke down barriers and inspired future generations of women to pursue politics. Thus, she remains a significant figure in Indian history, remembered for her unwavering commitment to freedom, social justice, and gender equality.

Fascinating Fact! Sucheta Kripalani was one of the 15 women selected to draft the Indian Constitution, as a part of the Constituent Assembly. 

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