Tributes Pour In for Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay on Death Anniversary
New Delhi, October 29: The nation remembered freedom fighter Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay on her death anniversary, with several leaders honouring her contribution to India's independence and social progress. Among them was Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who joined other leaders in paying homage on Thursday.
In a post on X, Gadkari greeted the great freedom fighter and Padma Vibhushan awardee Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay on her death anniversary.
Ashish Sood, a minister in the Delhi government, also paid his respects. He called Chattopadhyay a great fighter of the Indian freedom struggle and a Padma Vibhushan recipient. He said her unparalleled contribution to the freedom movement, her commitment to women's empowerment, and her work toward preserving Indian handicrafts and cultural heritage would continue to inspire. According to him, her role in nation-building is unforgettable.
Vijay Kumar Sinha, a minister in the Bihar government, also offered tribute. On X, he referred to her as an Indian social reformer, freedom fighter, theatre artist, and Gandhian leader, and noted her honours, including the Padma Bhushan and the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Chhattisgarh minister Ramvichar Netam expressed humble homage as well, describing her as a social reformer and freedom fighter honoured with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
The Congress party remembered her too. Its X post stated that her notable contributions to the independence struggle, women's empowerment, and the preservation of traditional arts continue to inspire successive generations.
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was the first Indian woman to contest an election for a legislative seat and the first Indian woman arrested by the British government.
She contested the Madras Provincial Election. During the Dandi March, she persuaded Gandhi to grant women equal opportunities and to include them prominently in the march. She later joined the Seva Dal and trained women workers.
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay died on October 29, 1988.