Independence Day: Incredible Women Who Helped In India's Freedom Struggle

As we celebrate the 75th Independence Day, it is imperative we remember these women with extraordinary courage.

Around the time Mahatma Gandhi was encouraging Indians to peacefully oppose the colonial rule and freedom fighters were trying to force the British to back down, a number of Indian women were quietly taking the centre stage and shaping the Independence movement from within. From calling for abolishing casteism to the prohibition of liquor; more directly – they were taking on the challenge to fight the imperialists to end their tyrannical rule. Some with their poetry called for a ‘Swadeshi' movement while others built communities in a fractured nation to boost social reforms. As we celebrate the 75th Independence Day, it is imperative that we remember some of these women with extraordinary courage and commitment to bring a change. 1.Savitribai Phule Savitribai Phule worked selflessly to empower women in India, repeatedly urging them to educate themselves, particularly those who came from the so-called backward castes. She said education will the weapon that will free women from social discrimination. She is known as India's first female teacher. With her husband, Jyotirao Phule (Jyotiba), she started teaching girls in Pune and fought off those who opposed girl education at that time.