From Burning Foreign Clothes to Building Schools: Durgabai Deshmukh’s Incredible Story

Durgabai Deshmukh was the first woman from Andhra Pradesh to join the freedom struggle. Born on July 15, 1909, in Kakinada, Rajahmundry district, she grew up with a strong sense of patriotism and social service thanks to her mother, Mrs. Krishnavenamma. Her father, Mr. Rama Rao, passed away early, but her mother’s active involvement in the Congress party deeply influenced Durgabai.

During that time, Mahatma Gandhi was promoting the use of Hindi in South India. Inspired, Durgabai learned Hindi from a neighboring teacher and started a school for women. Even her mother attended classes there. About 500 women learned Hindi at this school, and Gandhiji awarded Durgabai a gold medal for her efforts. She also supported the movement by burning foreign clothes in front of Gandhiji and promoting Khadi with her mother.

Durgabai was imprisoned for a year after participating in the Salt Satyagraha with Shri T. Prakasam. Upon release, she resumed her activism, which led to another three-year imprisonment. She used this time to improve her English.

Known for her discipline, Durgabai once served as a volunteer at the 1923 national Congress convention in Kakinada. She famously refused Nehru entry to the Khadi exhibition without a ticket, prompting him to buy one.

After her release, Durgabai completed her education, passing the Banaras Matriculation examination and earning a BA in Political Science from Andhra University. She excelled in her MA exams from Madras University, earning five medals. Later, she studied economics and law in England, where she also practiced law and earned a good income. After India’s independence, she practiced law in the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

In 1946, Durgabai was elected to the Lok Sabha and the Constituent Assembly. In 1953, she married India’s first Finance Minister, Shri Chintamani Deshmukh, in a court ceremony attended by Nehru. That same year, Nehru appointed her as Chairman of the Central Social Welfare Department, where she initiated several programs for women and child welfare. She traveled to countries like England, the USA, Soviet Russia, China, and Japan to study and experience these subjects.

Durgabai worked tirelessly for women’s upliftment through various organizations like Andhra Mahila Sabha, University Women’s Association, and Nari Niketan. She directed the creation of the ‘Encyclopedia of Social Service in India’ published by the Planning Commission. Her efforts in spreading education in Andhra villages earned her the Nehru Literacy Award. She established numerous schools, hospitals, nursing schools, and technical schools, including those for the blind.

Durgabai Deshmukh dedicated her life to her country and society. She passed away on May 9, 1981, after a long illness. Many institutions she established continue to serve in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

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