Women in India have been breaking barriers and challenging norms for centuries, paving the way for future generations of women to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. From politics and science to sports and the arts, Indian women have made their mark in almost every field. Here are just a few of the first Indian women to achieve major accomplishments in their respective fields:
Indira Gandhi: First Woman Prime Minister Of India
Indra Gandhi became India’s first female prime minister in 1966, serving three consecutive terms and becoming the second longest serving Indian PM. She was a strong symbol of the rise of the feminist movement in the Indian subcontinent.
Sarojini Naidu: First Indian Woman President
Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress, and the first woman to become the Governor of a state in India. She was also a renowned poet and writer, known as the “Nightingale of India” for her beautiful verses.
Anna Chandy: First Female Judge Of India
Anna Chandy, one of India’s first female judges, was also the first Indian woman to serve as a judge in a high court. Chandy dedicated her life to fighting for women’s right to work. She was often touted as the ‘first-generation feminist’ for her endeavors.
Anna Rajam Malhotra: First Woman IAS Officer In India
Anna Rajam Malhotra was the first woman IAS officer in India. She was posted as a Civil Servant in Madras State in 1951. Not only that, but she was the second Indian woman to pass the civil services exam. She was said to be had a unique humane approach to solving administrative problems.
Priya Jhingan: The First Lady Cadet To Join The Indian Army
Priya Jhingan with a dream to serve Indian Army, become the first lady cadet to join the Indian Army in 1993. A trained skier and trekking enthusiast, Major Priya was felicitated by the Ministry of Woman and Child Development for being the first woman to join the Indian Army.
Bhavna Kanth: First Indian Woman Fighter Pilot
2016 marked the year when the defense ministry allowed women pilots to join the Air Force as fighter pilots. Bhawana Kanth registered her name in history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot of India in 2019 along with two of her cohorts, Mohana Singh, and Bhawana Kanth. She became the first woman to lead the all-men contingent in
2019 republic day. She was honored with Nari Shakti Puraskar 2020 by President Ram Nath Kovind.
Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi: First Indian Female Physician
Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi became the first Indian female physician in the year 1887. She was also the first Indian woman who was trained in Western medicine. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi has been an inspiration to millions of Indian women who found the motivation of stepping into the field of medicine.
Tessy Thomas: Missile Woman of India
Dr. Tessy Thomas is the first woman scientist to lead a missile project in India, heading the development of Agni-IV missiles at the Defense Research and Development Organization.
A Lalitha: First Indian Woman Engineer
Lalitha became the first Indian woman engineer. She was enlisted to work on big projects such as Bhakra Nangal Dam, the biggest dam in India. She created opportunities for other women to do the same.
Vidya Munshi: First Female Journalist In India
India’s first female journalist, Vidy Munshi worked for several newspapers and magazines, including, ten-years with Russy Karanjia‘s Blitz. It was Vidy who cracked the case of two Canadian pilots who were trying to smuggle GOLD through the Sunderbans and the Chinakuri mine disaster in Asansol.
Kalpana Chawla: First Indian Woman Who Reached Space
Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman who reached space. As a mission specialist and a primary robotic arm operator, she went into space in 1997. She was the first Indian woman who had the opportunity of going to space twice in her lifetime.
Bachendri Pal: First woman To Climb The Mt.Everest
Bachendri Pal made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1984. Later, she led expeditions with an all-female team in 1993, 1994, and 1997. She not only made the nation proud, but her achievement inspired a lot of people, especially women in India. Her name has simultaneously been associated with women’s empowerment in India.
Karnam Malleswari: First Indian Woman To Win An Olympic Medal
Karnam Malleswari made history at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 by becoming the first Indian woman weightlifter to win an Olympic medal. Her remarkable achievement earned her a household name, and she was dubbed The Iron Lady as a result. She is the only Indian women weightlifter to have won an Olympic medal to this day.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: First Indian Woman Self-made Billionaire
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a businesswoman and entrepreneur who is the founder of Biocon, India’s largest biopharmaceutical company. She is also the first Indian woman to become a self-made billionaire and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the field of biotechnology.
Dr. Indira Hinduja: Lady Behind IVF In India
Dr. Indira Hinduja is a renowned gynecologist and obstetrician who is credited with pioneering the technique of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in India. She delivered India’s first IVF baby in 1986 and has since helped thousands of couples achieve their dreams of parenthood.
Conclusion
Revolutionary changes have taken place in the status of Indian women after independence. Now, there is no arena that remained unconquered by Indian women. The role of women has changed tremendously and they have been able to create a positive impression in society. On International Women’s Day, let us celebrate and honor their accomplishments, and continue to support and empower women in India and around the world to follow in their footsteps and pursue their dreams.
