Born: 1887 (Badshah Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India)
Died: 1964 (New Delhi, India)
Amrit Kaur, born on 2 February 1887 in Badshah Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, was an Indian activist and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. She is best known for her contributions as the first Health Minister of India, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her involvement in shaping the Constitution of India.
Amrit Kaur was born into the Ahluwalia family, with her father being Raja Sir Harnam Singh Ahluwalia, the younger son of Raja Randhir Singh of Kapurthala. Due to a conflict over the succession to the throne, her father left Kapurthala and settled in the former princely state of Oudh as an estate manager. He later converted to Christianity and married Priscilla Chatterjee, the daughter of a missionary from Bengal. Amrit Kaur was the youngest of their ten children and the only daughter. Raised as a Protestant Christian, she received her early education at Sherborne School for Girls in Dorset, England, and went on to attend Oxford University for her college education. After completing her studies in England, Kaur returned to India in 1918.
Upon her return, Amrit Kaur became actively involved in the Indian independence movement. Her father’s close association with Indian National Congress leaders, including Gopal Krishna Gokhale, had influenced her thoughts and vision. Kaur was particularly drawn to the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, whom she had the opportunity to meet in Bombay in 1919. Impressed by Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and civil disobedience, she decided to work as his secretary, a position she held for 16 years. During this time, Kaur’s correspondence with Gandhi was published as a volume of letters titled Letters to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.
One of the turning points in Kaur’s activism was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. The British forces opened fire on peaceful protesters in Amritsar, Punjab, killing over 400 people. This event deeply affected Kaur, and she became a vocal critic of British rule in India. She joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the independence movement, fighting for the rights and freedom of her fellow countrymen.
In 1947, with India’s independence, Amrit Kaur was appointed as the country’s first Health Minister. She held this position until 1957 and made significant contributions to healthcare reforms in India. Kaur emphasized the importance of public health and implemented various initiatives to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare services. Her dedication to the health sector and her efforts in establishing the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, also garnered her the responsibility of being the Sports Minister.
Throughout her career, Kaur was a strong advocate for women’s rights and played a vital role in advancing gender equality in India. She actively worked towards empowering women and promoting their participation in various sectors. Kaur’s contributions to the development of women’s rights and social welfare initiatives are widely remembered and admired.
In addition to her political role, Amrit Kaur was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, the body responsible for framing the Constitution of India. Her insights and contributions during this crucial period laid the foundation for the principles of justice, equality, and human rights enshrined in the constitution.
Amrit Kaur passed away on 6 February 1964, in New Delhi. Despite being a practicing Protestant Christian at the time of her death, she was cremated according to Sikh customs. She never married nor had any children.
Amrit Kaur’s remarkable journey as an activist, politician, and champion of women’s rights leaves an indelible mark on India’s history. Her dedication to the cause of India’s independence, her leadership in the healthcare sector, and her advocacy for women’s empowerment continue to inspire and motivate future generations. Today, her private papers are preserved at the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, where they serve as a testament to her legacy and the enduring impact she had on society.
Awards:
– List of awards and recognitions received by Amrit Kaur is not available