Sucheta Kriplani

Sucheta Kriplani was an Indian freedom fighter who became one of the most prominent leaders in the Civil Rights Movement of India. She was a trailblazer in her own right as the first woman to be elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1963. Her unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and equality made her an icon and an inspiration to many.

Sucheta Kriplani was born on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, Punjab, British India, to Swarn Nath Majumdar, a doctor. She did her schooling in Nainital and earned a Bachelor's degree from Indraprastha College, Delhi. Later, she also obtained a master's degree in Constitutional History from Banaras Hindu University. Her academic credentials were impressive, but her true calling was activism, and she joined the Indian National Congress in 1946.

In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Kriplani was arrested and imprisoned for her participation in the campaign. She emerged from prison as a prominent leader of the movement, inspiring and mobilizing women across India. She was a member of the Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Indian Constitution. Kriplani also sang the national song "Vande Mataram" at the Independence Session of the Constituent Assembly in August 1947.

Kriplani was known for her unwavering faith in the power of nonviolent resistance. She was deeply motivated by her commitment to social justice and believed that India's independence was inextricably linked to the larger struggle for human rights. Her leadership was characterized by empathy, humility, and the ability to inspire and unite people.

Before the fame, Kriplani faced many obstacles in her early life. She lost her mother when she was only nine years old and had to take care of her younger brother. Despite these challenges, Kriplani excelled academically and became a Professor of Constitutional History at Banaras Hindu University. She was motivated by a desire to bring about social change and dedicated herself to the Indian freedom struggle.

Kriplani's personal life was just as impressive as her public achievements. She was married to Acharya Kripalani, a fellow freedom fighter and an important figure in the Indian National Congress. Their marriage was a true partnership, and together, they worked tirelessly for the cause of Indian independence. They had two daughters, the elder daughter became a journalist and the younger one was an economist.

Kriplani was closely linked to other prominent leaders of the Indian freedom struggle, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Aruna Asaf Ali. She was admired by her friends and colleagues for her courage, leadership, and integrity. She passed away on December 1, 1974, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of India.