In the backdrop of large scale sea–borne smuggling, the Cabinet Secretariat, in pursuance of the Prime Minister’s directive, on 23 Jan 1970, constituted a study group under the chairmanship of Dr. BD Nag Chaudhari with Air Chief Marshal O.P.Mehra and Admiral RD Katari IN (Retd) amongst others, as members to examine and report on: -

• Number and nature of craft to be acquired to meet the immediate requirements of anti-smuggling task.
• Sources of supply and their availability in the world market to meet the operational requirement.
• Suitability of hovercraft, helicopter and other aircraft for anti-smuggling operations.

The Nag Choudhari Committee in its report submitted in Aug 1971 recommended that there is an immediate need to build our anti-smuggling capabilities on a three-tier system -Indigenous construction and early acquisition of surface craft for anti-smuggling measures. Hovercraft, in the role of fast interceptor was the choice for immediate augmenting of our limited anti-smuggling capability till the new fast surface crafts were acquired. Acquisition of surveillance aircraft in a phased programme could be similarly.geared up at a convenient stage.

On 03 May 1973, a meeting under the chairmanship of Shri VC Shukla, the Minister for Defence Production, was held to expedite the acquisition of suitable boats for the Customs. The requirement of two types of patrol boat was felt – a large size patrol boat with 1000 NM range and a max speed of 30 knots, fitted with light armament and capacity for 16 crew and a small boat of higher speed, fitted with light armament, to carry 12 crew. In the inter-ministerial meeting (in which both the Minister for Defence Production and Minister of Revenue and Expenditure were present), it was agreed that the medium boats should also be acquired in pursuance of the recommendations of the Nag Chaudhari Committee. In a subsequent meeting with the Ministry of Defence Production on 22 Nov 1973, the customs indicated a requirement of 20 modified SDB Mark-II type for their department.

The need for a Coast Guard force in India to perform various non-military maritime roles had been felt for sometime, particularly by Naval Headquarters. It was however, not until 31 Aug 1974 that a serious official consideration was given to this problem when the Defence Secretary addressed a note to the Cabinet Secretary, spelling out the need for setting up of a Coast Guard type national organisation. In essence the Defence Secretary’s note brought out that an organisation for ensuring safety of life and property at sea and for law enforcement in the waters under our jurisdiction had not kept pace with the substantial increase in maritime activity in our surrounding seas. The note had further suggested that a suitable inter-ministerial body could examine the adequacy of the existing organisations and the possibility of closer coordination between their activities either by merging some or establishing a central organisation like a Coast Guard. In this context, the Chief of the Naval Staff had also stressed the need for greater inter-ministerial coordination in the maritime field to avoid duplication of effort and for dovetailing measures to ensure that the national objectives are attained by an integrated approach. It was also felt that the law enforcement activities should not be undertaken by the Navy, which would inevitably detract them from their operational role and interfere with their training. Further, deployment of sophisticated warships and manpower trained for specialised roles, on law enforcement tasks on a continuos basis in peace time neither was nor considered cost-effective.

In the wake of the amendment to the Maintenance of Internal Security Act to provide for preventive detention for offences relating to smuggling and foreign exchange violations, a concerted drive was launched to combat smuggling. In this context, in Sep 1974, the Committee of Secretaries under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary appointed a committee to examine the shortcomings in our anti-smuggling and other maritime activities and suggest the measures to protect India’s marine resources and the creation of the Coast Guard. The committee was to be chaired by Shri KF Rustamji, Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs with Vice Admiral VA Kamath, PVSM, Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Shri Jasjit Singh, Chairman, Central Board of Excise and Customs amongst its members. The Rustamji Committee in its report submitted on 31 Jul 1975 strongly recommended the setting up of a Coast Guard type organisation for general superintendence and policing of our sea areas in peacetime. The committee’s view had become even more pressing by virtue of the discovery of oil in our offshore areas. This committee also recommended that the Coast Guard Service should be patterned on the Navy and work under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The recommendations of the Rustamji Committee were considered and accepted by the Secretaries on 07 Jan 1976. The committee, however, decided that the new organisation should function under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The decision was subsequently reviewed at the level of the Prime Minister and it was decided to place it under the Ministry of Defence(MoD).

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) thereupon prepared a paper for consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affair (CCPA) seeking approval for: -

• Taking necessary steps to set up a Coast Guard organisation.
• Appointing an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Defence in the rank of Vice Admiral with a nucleus Headquarters and appropriate staff to prepare a detailed plan for the Coast Guard Organisation.
• Creation of an interim Coast Guard Force with two frigates seconded by the Navy and transferring of five patrol vessels from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

On 07 Jan 1977, the Cabinet approved the proposal for the setting up an interim Coast Guard Organisation within the Navy to undertake specified Coast Guard tasks. The CCPA directed that the budgetary provision for the Coast Guard should be under a separate head in the estimates of the Department of Revenue and Banking. Further, it had also directed that a detailed plan for the development of the Coast Guard should be drawn up.

With the increasing awareness of the economic benefits to be gained from the sea and sea beds, certain Coastal States had claimed jurisdiction over the vast areas of sea around them. The Third conference of the UNCLOS resolved the inadequacies and evolved a regime for the international sea bed area. In conformity with the existing trend the world over, the Government of India enacted the 'Maritime Zones Act' on 25 Aug 1976. This Act came into force on 15 Jan 1977, bringing the entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an area of 2.01 million square kilometres within our national jurisdiction. The policing of this vast sea area and to enforce the national laws and protecting the national interests would be a mammoth task and call for a dedicated organisation.

Interim Coast Guard Cell formed on February 1, 1977 Seated(L to R) Lt Cdr Dutt, Cmde Sarathy, Vice Adm V.A.Kamath, Cdr Bhanot, Mr. Varadan Standing(L to R) Mr. Sandhu, Mr.Jain, Mr. Pillai, Mr. Malhotra, Mr. Sastri

On 07 Jan 1977, following the Cabinet’s decision the interim Coast Guard Organisation came into being under Naval Headquarters on 01 Feb 1977. The force consisting of two frigates (IN Ships Kirpan and Kuthar) seconded from the Indian Navy and five patrol boats (Pamban, Puri, Pulicat, Panaji and Panvel) transferred from the Home Ministry. These assets were deployed for the discharge of the Coast Guard duties along the coasts and around the Island territories. The aim was to maintain surveillance of our sea area and to assess the extent of maritime activity in our maritime zones with a limited force.

The overall plan for the Coast Guard Service was prepared by the Officer on Special Duty (OSD), VAdm VA Kamath as required by the terms of reference in three parts and submitted on 05 Jul 1978 for the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affair (CCPA). The Plans are: -

1. Part I dealing with the Main Plan supported by the detailed appendices at Part II covered the following: -
   • A study of the various maritime agencies in India and identification of such activities, which may be dovetailed to avoid duplication of effort and ensure an integrated approach.
   • Organisation and assigning roles for the Coast Guard.
   • Terms and conditions of the service.
   • Legal aspects of raising the new Service.
   • Identification of areas in which the Coast Guard would have to rely on the Indian Navy and other Central Govt agencies.
   • Budget.
2. Part III dealing with the development plan for the Coast Guard, a six-year roll - on plan, for the period 1978-84.

Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai Inspecting the Guard of Honour While Inaugurating the Indian Coast Guard(1978)

Vice Admiral V.A.Kamath accompanying the Prime Minister after inaugural function at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai(1978)

The process, which began nearly a decade ago, had crystallized with the formation of the Coast Guard Service by passing an Act in the Parliament on 18 Aug 1978 and brought into force on 19 Aug 1978.

1. It shall be the duty of the Coast Guard to protect by such measures, as it thinks fit the maritime and other national interests of India in the maritime zones of India.
2. Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsection -(a), the measures referred to therein may provide for: –
   • Ensuring the safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals, installations and other structures and devices in any maritime zone
   • Providing protection to fishermen including assistance to them at sea while in distress
   • Taking such measures as are necessary to preserve and protect the maritime environment and to prevent and control marine pollution
   • Assisting the customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations
   • Enforcing the provisions of such enactment as are for the time being in force in the maritime zones and
   • Such other matters, including measures for the safety of life and property at sea and collection of scientific data as may be prescribed.
3. The Coast Guard shall perform its functions under this section in accordance with, and subject to such rules as may be prescribed and such rules may, in particular, make provisions for ensuring that the Coast Guard functions in close liaison with Union agencies, institutions and authorities so as to avoid duplication of effort.

The Coast Guard, in 1978 began with two old frigates seconded by the Navy and five small patrol vessels from MHA. Over the past two decades, it has attained a force level of 65 ships and craft and 44 aircraft and helicopters as follows:-

• AOPV - 04
• Offshore Patrol Vessels - 09
• Fast Patrol Vessels - 10
• Inshore Patrol Vessel - 13
• Seaward Defence Boats - 02
• Hovercraft - 06
• Interceptor Boats - 12
• ICs (Vadyar Class) - 08
• ICs (Bristol Class) - 01
• Dornier Aircraft - 24
• Chetak Helicopter - 17
• ALH - 03

In 1978, the CG Advisory Board prepared the Coast Guard Development Plan (CGDP) 1978-1990, the Kamath Plan, for the balanced development and growth of the service. In 1987, in view of the changed situation, a revised 15-year perspective plan (1985-2000) was prepared as follows:-

Type of Forces	Approved	Present as on Feb  2005
Deep Sea Patrol Vessels	06	Nil
AOPV/OPVs	24	13
Rescue Cum Pollution Control Vessels	06	Nil
FPVs/IPV/SDBs	36	25
Interceptor Boats	36	12
Coastal Surveillance Aircraft (Dornier)	36	24
Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft	09	Nil
Rescue Helicopters (ALH)	12	03
Light Helicopters (Chetaks)	36	17
Interceptor Craft	08	09
Hovercraft	06	06
Medium Patrol Vessel	06	Nil

The planned growth of the service is being pursued through the five yearly CG Development Plans, which are co-terminus with the National Plan. While formulating them, close attention is paid to avoid overlapping of responsibilities with the Navy and other agencies like the Customs, BSF etc. and to make optimum utilisation of the available resources.

The CGDP 1985-1990 could not be formally approved due to resource crunch. The acquisition proposals were approved on a piece meal basis upto Rs 518.88 crores. The CGDP 1990-1995 was recast to 1992-1997 in line with the national plan owing to severe resource crunch leading to a two year planned holiday. The plan projection was made for Rs 2286.92 crores, but approved for Rs 1223 crores. This reduction has led to drastic cut in the projected force level. The CGDP 1997-2002 was initially projected for Rs 3277 Cr, but was approved for Rs.1850 Cr. During this plan 2 AOPV's, 2 FPV’s, 2 IB’s, 6 hovercraft, 7 Dorniers, 2 Chetaks and 2 ALH’s are planned for induction into the service.

Manpower The Coast Guard, a small force of 5440 uniformed personnel (633 officers, 4580 enrolled personnel including 82 officers and 145 personnel from the Navy and other Defence Services on deputation) is taking on the ever-increasing responsibilities in protecting the nation's interest in the maritime zones. At present, about 70% of these personnel are serving at sea or manning the front line squadrons to operate 65 ships and 44 aircraft. This is an enviable tooth to tail ratio by any standards. The cut down in the Coast Guard strength is basically to share the naval resources in training and logistics to avoid duplication of effort.

SELECTION PROCESS

       Those who are recommended by the Board and found medically fit are offered the appointment as per merit viz-a-viz number of vacancies. The enrolment of the selected candidates for the post of Asst Comdt is carried out at Indian Coast Guard Station Delhi.  These officers are also given a 10 days short course on personality development prior sending them to Naval Academy for basic training.

BASIC TRAINING

AVIATION TRAINING

ADVANCED OFFSHORE PATROL VESSELS

• SAMAR - War Battle
• SANGRAM – War
• SARANG – Hawk
• SAGAR – Ocean

• VIKRAM –Valour
• VIJAYA –Victory
• VEERA – Brave Warrior
• VARUNA - One of the oldest of the Vedic Deities, a personification of the all-investing sky, the maker and the upholder of heaven and earth. As such, he is the king of the Universe, King of Gods and men, possessor of unlimited knowledge, the Supreme Diety to whom especial honour is due. In later times he took the form of Neptune, the God of Seas and Rivers who rides upon the Makara, which character he still retains.
• VAJRA – The hard or mighty one (Thunderbolt)
• VIVEK – Right Judgment
• VIGRAHA – War; to battle
• VARAD – Granting of wishes
• VARAHA - Boar; Vishnu in boar incarnation raised the earth from the waters after killing the demons.

INSHORE PATROL VESSELS

• JIJABAI - (1594-1674): Mother of Shivaji. She was the daughter of Jadav Rao, a nobleman in the service of sultan of Ahmadnagar and was married to Shahji Bhosle. She gave birth to her famous son on 30 Apr 1627 in the hill fort of Shivner. She was neglected by her husband and remained as guardian of her son whose character, hopes and ideals she shaped to a very great extent and her influence was factor of prime importance in the making of Shivaji’s career. She died only a few days after the coronation of her son.
• CHANDBIBI – She was the daughter of Hussain Nizam Shah of Ahmadnagar and was married to Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur. Her husband having died in 1580, she became the guardian of her minor son Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the Vth Sultan of Bijapur. In 1584, she left for Ahmadnagar and never visited Bijapur again. Ahmadnagar was invaded by the army of the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1593 and the city was besieged by the Mughal in 1596. At this crisis Chand Bibi took the leadership in Ahmadnagar and made a gallant and successful resistance to the Mughal army led by the Akbar’s son Murad. But the odds were so much against the limited resources of Ahmadnagar that she had to make peace by condign Berar to the Mughals. The war soon broke out again but so efficient was the defensive organisation set-up by Chand Bibi that Mughals could not capture the city so long as she was alive. She, however, soon perished at the hand of the mob and Ahmadnagar also fell to Mughals.
• KITTUR CHENNAMMA - (1778-1829) Rani of Kittur, Belgaum Dist Maharashtra. She continued to resist the British ever after the fall of the Peshwa in 1818. It was only in 1829, that the fort of Kittur could be captured by them. A commemorative stamp in her honour was issued on 23 Oct 1977.
• RANIJINDAN (1863)– The fifth wife of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh of the Punjab and the mother of his youngest son, Dalip Singh. She became the Regent on the accession of Dalip Singh in 1843 as he was minor. She proved unequal to the task and suffered the first sikh war which broke out in 1845, but was left to continue as the Regent by the treaty of Lahore which concluded the war (1846). But her conduct soon roused the suspicion of the British Government, which removed her in 1848 from Lahore on charge of conspiracy. Her removal was one of the circumstances that led to the Second Sikh War in 1849 in which also the Sikhs were defeated. At the end of the War, Dalip Singh was deposed and sent to England. Rani Jindan also joined her son and later died on 01 Aug 1883 in London.
• HABBAH KHATUN – Originally named Zun, Habbah Khatun was a contemporary of Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. As she was unable to bear a child, a rift developed between her and her husband and she sought the company of a saint who taught her Persian. Her voice so enchanted prince Yusuf, the heir apparent of Kashmir, that he kidnapped her and forced her husband to divorce her. She blossomed in the court as a celebrated poetess and musician. Because of the objection of the mullahs, she was abandoned by her lover, though he later reconciled. However, when Emperor Akbar annexed Kashmir (1586) and exiled Yusuf to Bihar, she found herself deserted again, and took to a life of a wanderer singing and reciting poetry. She gave a literary form to the Kashmiri language, and evolved a new system of music. She remains one of the picturesque figures in literary history of Kashmir.
• RAMADEVI (born 1899) – She is a social and political worker. Born in a well-known family of Cuttak (Orissa), she was married at the age of 14, to Gopabandhu Choudhury, who then was working a Deputy Magistrate. Gopabandhu gave up the coveted Government service when Mahatama Gandhi gave a call to all the Government servants to give up their jobs to join the Non-Cooperation Movement. Through her husband, Rama Devi came into close contact with Mahatama Gandhi, Pandit Gopabandhu Das, Takkar Bapa and others. She was a member of the Provincial Congress Committee from 1930-1934. She was the secretary of the ‘Pradeshik Harijan Sangha’ from 1932 to 1935. During the Quit India Movement, Rama Devi courted imprisonment in 1942 and was released in 1944. She has established a large number of ‘Mahila Sanghas’ and ‘Seva Sanghas’ in different parts of Orissa and her name has become a household word for social service throughout the State.
• AVVAIYYAR - A Tamil poetess of 11th century whose name is regarded as synonymous with wisdom. For many years, she lived in the the court of Neduman Anji, the Adigaiman Chief of Tagadur(Dharmapuri) who held her in high esteem. A few years after the death of her patron, the Adigaiman, she left Tagadur and wandered through the Chera country and was honoured alike by prince and peasant. Later, she visited the important places in the Chola country and went to Tirukoyilur. Avvaiyyar took her themes from life in the place and in the country farm. The simple pleasures and daily cares of the people appealed to her even more than the chivalry of heroes and the magnificence of princes. Her odes, which are included in the principal ‘Shangam’ collections, the ‘Nartrinai’, the ‘Kuruntogai’, the Nedumtogai and the ‘Puananuru’ are a true mirror of contemporary Tamil life. With a rare economy of words, she created marvellous pen-pictures, and to poetic imagery she added choice moral precepts. She was a great exponent of morality, her pithy aphorisms are lisped by the Tamil children even today as an introduction to Tamil poetry and a guide to moral life. There is an image of Avvaiyyar in a temple in Tulasiyapattanam(Tirutturaipundi Taluk of the Tanjore district), but more abiding than this are her verses which the Tamils will continue to cherish.
• TARABAI – (AD 1675-1761) The widow of Rajaram, one of the sons of Shivaji, she took over the government of the Maratha State after the death of her husband as the Regent to her son, shivaji III. She pursued the struggle against the Mughals with astonishing vigour from her capital Satara.
• AHALYA BAI (AD 1795 )– one of the most famous rulers of India, she was the daughter of Manakoji of Shinde of Aurangabad and was married in 1743 to Khande Rao, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar State. Ahalya Bai ruled for 30 years and is considered as one of the purest and most exemplary rulers that ever existed. Her fame as good and just ruler still survives.
• LAKSHMI BAI (AD 1835-1858) - The Rani of Jhansi. A brave woman who fought the British tooth and nail. In the ‘First war of Indian Independence’ she was killed in a savage battle near Gwalior Fort. AKKA DEVI (AD 1010-64) ca. - In the list of the famous heroines and administrators of Karnataka, the name of Akka Devi stands very high. She was the daughter of the Chalukya ruler, Dashvarman, and was probably married to the Kadamba chief, Manjuravarman, and ruled the Kingdom jointly with him. She was also an intrepid warrior and defeated many enemies. She built many temples and gave liberally for the cause of education.
• NAIKI DEVI (AD 1178 ) - The queen of Gujarat. The mother Mulraja II who ruled Anhilwara Patan. She was the daughter of Parmardin of Kadamba dynasty. During the infancy of her son, Gujrat was invaded by Muhammad Ghori. She herself led the army with the child in her lap and defeated the invaders at a pass near Abu. The infant king died shortly after the invasion.
• GANGA DEVI (AD 1361-71)- She was the wife of Vira Kampa Raya of Vijaynagar and accompanied her husband on his expeditions against the neighbouring states. She wrote the Sanskrit epic ‘Madhur Vijayam’ on the exploits of her husband.

FAST PATROL VESSELS

• PRIYADARSHINI (Indira Gandhi) (1917-1984) – Daughter of Jawahar Lal Nehru and Kamla Nehru, India Priyadarshini was born at Allahabad on 19 Nov 1917. Priyadarshini means ‘dear to the sight’. She was educated at Vishva Bharti University and at Oxford, and became involved in political life almost from Childhood. In 1942 she married Feroze Gandhi, a young Congress leader. She and her husband both were arrested and sentenced to 13 months imprisonment. She became member of Congress Working Committee in 1955 and was elected its President in 1959. Joining the Government in 1964 as Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Lal Bahadur Shastri Cabinet. She became Independent India’s third Prime Minister in 1966 and presided over an eventual era for the next 11 years. She was conferred the Bharat Ratna for her great leadership in the Bangladesh crisis. Mrs Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister for over 16 years till her assassination on 31 Oct 1984 at her official residence in New Delhi by two of her Security Guards.
• RAZIYA SULTANA (1240) - Was the only lady to occupy the throne of Delhi. She was a daughter of Sultan Iltutmish who, before his death, nominated her as his successor. The nobles however, disliked the idea of a female ruling over them, set up her older brother, Rukn-un-din as the Sultan In May 1236, immediately after the death of Sultan Iltutmish. But Rukn-un-din was deposed and killed a few months after his accession and his sister Raziya was installed on the throne of Delhi. She ruled for four years (1236-40). She took active part in politics as well as in wars, rode an elephant in the sight of the public and led the armies against Hindu and Muhammadan rebels alike. She possessed remarkable talents and kept intact the dominions of the Delhi Sultanate extending from Sind to Bengal. But the Muhammadan nobles could not reconcile themselves to the rule of a woman. Further, the trust that she placed in any Abyssinian slave named Yaqut gave them an excuse for an open revolt in which the lead was taken by Altuniya the governor of Sind. The rebels deposed her, but Raziya tried to save her position by marrying the rebel leader, Altuniya. This adroit move, however, could not reconcile the Muhammadan nobles who defeated and killed Raziya and her husband in Oct 1240.
• ANNIE BESANT (1847-1933) – Mrs Besant, a British socialist turned theosophist, came to India in 1893 and adopted it as her home. At first she confined her activities to religious, social and education fields. She pleaded for the equal rights for woman the organisation for workmen and the reform of land laws. She also campaigned for better housing, school meals for the poor children and for the Scouts movements. A critic of the child marriage, Mrs Besant opposed the rigidity of caste system and championed the cause of depressed classes. Mrs Besant emerged as a political leader in 1915, when she was successful in bringing a compromise between the Moderates and the Extremists of the Congress. She founded the Home Rule League in 1916 and started two journals, the New India and the Commonwealth. Mrs Besant was imprisoned for her political activities and on her release in 1917 she presided over the Calcutta session of the Congress. Later, in consultation with Indian leaders, she drafted the well-known commonwealth of India Bill. An educationist, Mrs Besant was responsible for starting institutions including the Central Hindu College at Banaras in 1890, which was nucleus for the Banaras Hindu University.
• RAJKUMARI AMRIT KAUR (1889-1964) – Belonging to the ruling family or Kapurthala in the Punjab, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was born at Lucknow and Educated in England. She came in contact with Gandhiji 1919 and soon become his close follower and a life long associate. She also served him as a secretary for sixteen years. After joining the Congress, she took an active part with Salt Satyagrah of 1930 and Quit India Movement on 1942 and suffered imprisonment. She served the Independent India as its first Health Minister. She was more involved in social service than in politics. She concerned herself with the progress of women and the Harijan uplift and endeavoured to eradicate the early marriage, purdah and illiteracy. She was the founder member of All India Women’s Conference and the founder President of Indian Council for Child Welfare.
• KANAKLATA BARUA (1926-1942) - She was born at Village Borangabari Distt Darrang, Assam on 1926. Her father’s name was Shri Krishna Kant Barua. She was educated upto primary standard. She took part in Quit India Movement in 1942. The group of local leaders planned to hoist the Congress Flag on all police stations in district on 20 Sep 1942. An incident occurred at Gohpur where five thousand people from Choiduar region (250 sq miles) gathered in front of the local police stations to hoist the Congress Flag. A man from the crowd attempted to set the nearby cook’s shade ablaze while some other tried to disarm the constables by trying to snatch away their muskets. In this confused situation, one of the constables without waiting for any order from the officer fired two shots killing a sixteen year old girl. Kanaklata Barua and seriously injuring Mukumdaam Kakoti, who died later, Hemkanta Barua. The way Kanaklata Barua braved the police bullets to hoist the National Flag on the Guhpur Police Station makes an immortal story of martyrdom for the cause of freedom.
• BHIKHAIJI CAMA (1861-1936) - She was born at Bombay in 1861. Her father’s name was Sorabji Framji Patel. She was originally named Bhikhaiji Patel. She was married on 03 Aug 1885 to Rustam Cama. In 1902 she went to London where she came in contact with Dadabhai Naoroji. She designed the first National Flag, which she unfurled at the Socialist Congress at Stuttgart, West Germany in 1907. She also met many Indian revolutionaries in Europe when France joined England in the war against Germany. Cama was sent to prison where she remained for three years till the end of hostilities. She was not allowed to return to India after the war and it was only in 1935 when she was 74 and ill that she allowed to come back. She died in a Bombay Hospital in 1936.
• SUCHETA KRIPLANI (1908-1974) - She was born at Ambala in Haryana on 25 Jun 1908. She was daughter of SN Majumdar, a nationalist medical officer. She had a brilliant educational career and started her life as a teacher. While teaching at BHU, she came in contact with Acharya Kriplani whom she married in 1936. She started her active political activities in 1939 and was closely associated with the nationalist movement and with the Indian National Congress. She was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1946, and worked with Mahatama Gandhi during the Noakhali riots for Hindu-Muslim unity. In 1962, she became a minister in UP Cabinet and then Chief Minister in Oct 1963. She retired from active politics in 1971 and died on 01 Dec 1974.
• KAMLA DEVI (born 1903) – born in a wealthy family of South Karnataka, She was married at a very young age but became a widow while yet at school. She broke away from tradition and married the poet Harindranath Chattopadhya, the brother of Sarojini Naidu, in 1920 though the marriage was dissolved in 1933. She came under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and actively participated in Non Co-operation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. In 1948, she joined the Congress Socialist party. She was intensely interested in Women’s movement art and culture, and held many high offices, including membership of the Congress Working Committee Presidentship of All India Women’s Conference, and of the All India Handicrafts Board. In 1966, she was given the Magassaysay Award for community leadership.
• SAROJINI NAIDU (1878-1949) - Poet and statesmen. She was actively associated in Home Rule Movement and in 1925 became the President of Congress at Rampur. She became a close associate of Mahatama Gandhi and Nehru and played an important role in Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. She was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement. DURGA BAI – Political and social worker, she became interested in Freedom Movement since 1921 and actively participated in Civil Disobedience Movement. In 1930, she was imprisoned for her political activities.