New York, USA – Renowned American feminist icon and activist Gloria Steinem has revealed that her journey into activism was deeply influenced by a remarkable Indian woman — Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a freedom fighter, reformer, and cultural visionary from India. In a powerful tribute, Steinem shared how Kamaladevi’s courage, intellect, and commitment to justice ignited her passion for equality and laid the foundation for her life’s work.
A Cross-Cultural Connection That Sparked a Movement
During a recent interview, Gloria Steinem, now in her 90s, reflected on the pivotal moments that led her to become one of the world’s most recognized feminist voices. She recalled her travels to India in the 1950s, where she encountered Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who left an indelible mark on her worldview.
Kamaladevi, already a celebrated leader in post-independence India, was working to empower women, revive traditional Indian arts, and uplift marginalized communities. Steinem was deeply moved by Kamaladevi’s tireless work and began to see activism not only as a fight for rights but also as a celebration of community, culture, and courage.
“She didn’t just talk about freedom—she lived it,” Steinem said. “Kamaladevi showed me that transformation begins at the grassroots level, and her influence changed the course of my life.”
Who Was Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay?
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1903–1988) was a trailblazing Indian social reformer, freedom fighter, and cultural icon. She played a significant role in India’s independence movement and was one of the first women to run for legislative office in India. Her legacy includes:
- Founding institutions like the All India Women’s Conference
- Reviving Indian handicrafts and handlooms through the Crafts Council of India
- Advocating for the rights of refugees, women, and artisans post-partition
- Promoting theater, folk art, and indigenous culture as tools of empowerment
Kamaladevi’s life was marked by a fearless challenge to patriarchy, colonialism, and inequality — values that resonated deeply with a young Gloria Steinem.
From India to America: The Ripple Effect of Kamaladevi’s Influence
After returning from India, Gloria Steinem carried Kamaladevi’s teachings into her own work. In the 1960s and 1970s, Steinem rose to prominence as a journalist, speaker, and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, playing a central role in the second-wave feminist movement in the United States.
Her campaigns for women’s reproductive rights, racial equality, economic justice, and intersectional feminism all reflect the holistic vision of activism she encountered through Kamaladevi’s example.
“India gave me the gift of perspective. Kamaladevi gave me the courage to speak up,” Steinem shared.
Honoring Indian Women’s Global Legacy
Gloria Steinem’s tribute underscores a lesser-known but powerful chapter in global feminist history — the role of Indian women like Kamaladevi in shaping international discourse on women’s rights and social justice.
In a world that often overlooks non-Western influences in activism, this story serves as a reminder of India’s deep-rooted traditions of feminist leadership and community-driven change.