Women Organizations and National Awareness in India
By Usha Bhatt
Summary
Usha Bhatt’s Women Organizations and National Awareness in India explores the involvement of women in the Indian freedom movement, particularly in Ahmedabad. The article notes that social reform movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries encouraged women’s participation and that organisations like the Ladies Club, Gujarat Stri Kelavani Mandal and Vanita Vishram emerged. Gandhi’s relocation to Ahmedabad in 1915 and his inclusive approach inspired women to join satyagraha, volunteerism and constructive programmes. As a result, many female satyagrahis and activists became prominent. Bhatt details the founding of Jyotisangh on 24 April 1934 under the leadership of Mrudula Sarabhai, who came from a nationalist family and was influenced by Gandhi and other leaders. Jyotisangh focused on education, social welfare and empowerment while supporting nationalist causes. The article argues that these organisations fostered nationalism more than narrow feminism and enabled women from influential families to mobilise others across class divides. By chronicling their activities, Bhatt illustrates how women’s organisations contributed to national consciousness and social change.
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Conclusion
Bhatt demonstrates that women’s organisations were instrumental in India’s freedom struggle. Early clubs prepared women for public life, and Gandhi’s leadership encouraged them to join satyagraha. The establishment of Jyotisangh under Mrudula Sarabhai’s guidance exemplified how women combined social work with nationalism. These organisations broadened national awareness and highlighted the interplay between feminism and nationalism.