New Delhi, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : Kasturi Bai, a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence, exemplified the power of ideas, words, and the written word in the fight for freedom. Born in 1892 into a patriotic family, she dedicated her life to national service and social welfare. Her father, Pandit Nandalal Chaturvedi, and her brother, Makhanlal Chaturvedi, were significant contributors to the freedom movement, instilling in her a deep sense of nationalism from a young age.
Kasturi Bai actively participated in social service and the national movement. She was involved in various initiatives, such as teaching spinning, organizing protests against alcohol and foreign goods, and mobilizing women.
Despite marrying at a young age, she became a widow by 21. During this challenging period, she and her brother supported each other and lived together in Khandwa. When Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in the 1920s, Kasturi Bai stepped out of her home to play an active role. She organized women and initiated spinning classes, a courageous move for women at that time.
In 1932, she led a procession in Khandwa, which led to her arrest by the British government. She served four months in prison and was later transferred to Nagpur Jail, where she met fellow freedom fighter Janaki Devi Bajaj, who further strengthened her resolve. Not only was Kasturi Bai an activist, but she was also a sensitive poet. Her poetry vividly reflected the pain, struggle, and hope associated with the freedom movement.
After her release, she briefly stayed with her in-laws in Hoshangabad while her brother remained imprisoned. Yet, she never abandoned her commitment to social service. Kasturi Bai continued her work until her health declined, passing away on October 4, 1979. Her legacy as a symbol of women’s empowerment and dedication to India’s freedom remains significant.
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