Durgabai Deshmukh, Freedom Fighter, Social Worker
Freedom Fighter, Social Worker

Durgabai Deshmukh

Born 15 July 1909 · Andhra Pradesh — Died 9 May 1981

Co-founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha to promote women's education and welfare in India.

Durgabāi Deshmukh was an Indian freedom fighter, lawyer, social worker and politician. She was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and of the Planning Commission of India.A public activist for women's emancipation, she founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha (Andhra Women's Conference) in 1937. She was also the founder chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board. In 1953, she married C.D. Deshmukh, the first Indian governor of the Reserve Bank of India and Finance Minister in India's Central Cabinet from 1950 to 1956.[2]

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A detail that
surprised us

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At age 14, Durgabai Deshmukh refused to let Jawaharlal Nehru enter a Khadi exhibition without a ticket, showing her strict commitment to rules even against future leaders.

The Story

1
In 1923, at the Indian National Congress conference in Kakinada, a 14-year-old Durgabai Deshmukh famously barred Jawaharlal Nehru from entering the Khadi exhibition without a ticket, showcasing her strict adherence to discipline early on.
2
🌟 In 1937, she founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha, a pioneering institution dedicated to women's education and empowerment in Andhra Pradesh, which remains active today.
3Between 1930 and 1933, Durgabai was imprisoned three times by the British Raj for her leadership in organizing women satyagrahis during Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement, reflecting her frontline role in freedom activism.
4As one of only 15 women in the 389-member Constituent Assembly in 1946, she proposed about 750 amendments, notably advocating for women's property rights under the Hindu Code Bill and judicial independence.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1975
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Durgabai Deshmukh was married at age 8 but refused to live with her husband after maturation, an unusual act supported by her family in early 20th-century India.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
Durgabai Gummididala was born into a Vaidiki Brahmin family in Rajahmundry, influenced early by her father's social work.
1909
⚡
Career
Kakinada Congress Conference Volunteer
At 14, Durgabai managed the Khadi exhibition entry, famously denying Jawaharlal Nehru entry without a ticket.
1923
⚡
Career
Founded Andhra Mahila Sabha
Established an organization dedicated to women's education and welfare in Andhra Pradesh.
1937
⚡
Career
Member of Constituent Assembly
Joined the body drafting India's Constitution, advocating extensively for women's legal rights.
1946
🌟
Other
Married C.D. Deshmukh
Married the then Finance Minister of India, with Jawaharlal Nehru as one of the three witnesses.
1953
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Publication
Published Autobiography
Released "Chintaman and I," recounting her personal and public life shortly before her death.
1980
🕊️
Death
Died
Durgabai Deshmukh passed away, leaving a legacy in social reform and women’s rights.
1981
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

She moved approximately 750 amendments during the Constituent Assembly debates, a remarkable legislative involvement for one member, especially one of just 15 women.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Post-independence, she and her husband C.D. Deshmukh had an agreement that if one earned, the other would serve the nation without pay, reflecting a unique partnership dedicated to public service.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Durgabai founded the Balika Hindi Paathshala in Rajamundry to promote Hindi education for girls as early as her teenage years, anticipating her lifelong commitment to women's literacy.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Durgabai Deshmukh - Only Women In Constituent Assembly | Durgabai Deshmukh Biography
More from this archive
Durgabai Deshmukh - Only Women In Constituent Assembly | Durgabai Deshmukh Biography
01
Durgabai Deshmukh - Only Women In Constituent Assembly | Durgabai Deshmukh Biography
దుర్గాబాయి దేశ్‌ముఖ్ బయోగ్రఫీ | Durgabai Deshmukh Life Story |99TV Telugu
02
దుర్గాబాయి దేశ్‌ముఖ్ బయోగ్రఫీ | Durgabai Deshmukh Life Story |99TV Telugu

🌱 What changed because of them

Durgabai Deshmukh’s work led to the establishment of the Andhra Mahila Sabha, which still promotes women's education and welfare. Her role in the Constituent Assembly influenced critical legal reforms like the Hindu Code Bill, advancing women’s property rights. As the founding chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board, she institutionalized social welfare policies that continue to impact India's development agenda.

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