The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-01-13

that dominates midas modern
women has expressed itself In the
formation Of a number Of women's
organizations. The largest and the
most powerful Of these Is the ALI
India Women's Conference, founded
in 1926. II aims at the advance
ment OF women in every sphere, in
GLIDING education and legislation.
The organization in which women
have made a striking record OF
sacrifice and courage Is the Desh
Sevika Sangh (Association of
Women Dedicated to the Service
of the Country. The Desh Sevikas
are the Women Volunteers in the
Indian National Congress. They
wear q uniform consisting of an
orange sari and blue blouse. They
have played a magnificent role in
the Congress movement
Under the leadership of Gandhi
the Congress method Of non-violent
warfare requires mental courage
rather than physical proves. BY
this new technique women were
raised to the level Of men by their
ability to participate In the strug-
gle on equal terms. In the nation
wide campaign for freedom that
swept over the country In 1880,
thousands OF women and girls in
orange saris picketed liquor and
opium stores and Government
banks. Many women participated
in breaking the salt law. Out Of the
l00,0 that were sent to Jail 10000
were women and girls. Again re-
Gently. during the troubles OF 1912
and l943, several thousand wemsn
and girls have undergone imprison.
ment for having expressed their
nationalist sentiments.
Who are some Of the prominent
women OF India TODAY? Mrs. Ssro-
JIM Naidu. frequently spoken OF
as the nightingale of India" has
distinguished herself both as poel
and political leader. She was the
first Indian woman to be elected
president Of the Indian National
Congress. Mrs. vijsyslskshmi Pan
dit. sister OF Nshru. was Minister Of
Public Health in the United Prov
inces during the period Of Pro-
vincial Autonomy-l937-l 1888. She
proved herself very successful
administrator She has also been
president of the All-India Women's
Conference. and more recently
founded the Save the Children
Committee" to give nationwide re-
lief TO famine victims.
The Indian National Defense
Council, organized in 1871. includes
Begun Shah Nawsz, prominent
Muslin lady. Mrs. Kamalsdevi
Chattopsdhyaya Is an important
member Of the Congress Socialist
Party. She has also been president
OF the All India Women's Confer.
ence.
In the field OF the arts, Rukmini
Dew and Menaka are among the
foremost opponents OF Indian dance.
Devlka RAM is one OF the outstand-
ing musical stars. and the name
81 Heersbai Bsdodkar ranks high
among classical musicians.
The contemporary influence con-
triouting most TO the awakening
Of women is undoubtedly the
Gandhi movement Mahatma Gan
dbl has aroused national pride and
al the same time has made known
the crying need for educational
work Under Gandhi's influence
women have not only progressed.
but their leadership has been
eagerly sought
midas women have gone through
long struggle TO attain their pres
ent status. A difhcult road lies
ahead OF them. But with the un-
dsurted spirit they have mani
tested throughout the ayes who cen
doubt that they ere destined 10
take a leading part in securing and
! preserving the frssdsm Of India.