HYDERABAD: Born in Kakinada, the late freedom fighter and social activist Durgabai Deshmukh was instrumental in the Mahatma’s khadi movement. On the occasion of her centenary birth anniversary on Monday, the Andhra Mahila Sabha in Osmania University saw a memorial being inaugurated in Deshmukh’s honour by former Election Commissioner and Governor of two states, V S Ramadevi.
The day’s proceedings saw a bevy of cultural presentations by the staff and students of the campus, which preceded the release of a commemorative photo album by Ramadevi, featuring a vignette of the freedom fighter’s life and works through photographs. The memorial, explained organisers at the venue, “has been conceived as a museum of memorabilia and photographs from Deshmukh’s life, and would cover an entire hall, named the ‘Durgabai Deshmukh Divyasmriti’ in the campus premises.” Prior to the speech by the Chief Guest for the event, the students also presented an engaging account of an episode from Deshmukh’s life, when she barred Nehru from entering an exhibition since he did not have a ticket.
The chairperson of the Literacy House at Andhra Mahila Sabha, N Seetharambai recalled the prime years of activism from Deshmukh’s life. “A member of the Planning Commission, Deshmukh mustered support for a national policy on social welfare, resulting in the establishment of a Central Social Welfare Board.As the Board’s first chairperson, she mobilised a large number of voluntary organisations to carry out education, training, and rehabilitation programmes,” she said.
In her talk, Seetharambai emphasised on Deshmukh’s commitment towards women’s and children’s issues, along with considerable work for the underpriviledged and handicapped in society. While delivering the keynote speech of the afternoon, Ramadevi highlighted Deshmukh’s commitment to women’s issues in her time. “The development of the State and society, as shown by Deshmukh’s example, is heavily dependent on women.
There is therefore, a need to ensure the empowerment and more importantly, involvement from women in decision making matters,” Ramadevi said. Stressing on the need to provide primary as well as higher education towards a larger proportion of the population, Ramadevi observed that “there needs to be an inclusive vision of women in society, only then can the process of empower ment come through.” Ramadevi’s comments were followed by the presentation of commemorative mementos on the occasion. The Sabha, in this light informed that it would be conducting educational and training programmes for women from the State.