Anasuya Sarabhai, lovingly referred to as ‘Motaben’ or ‘elder sister’, has left an indelible mark in the annals of Indian history for her pioneering efforts in championing the women’s labor movement. In 1920, she established the Ahmedabad Textile Labor Association (Majoor Mahajan Sangh), the oldest union of textile workers in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Born in 1885 into the affluent Sarabhai family of Ahmedabad, Anasuya faced early adversity when she lost both her parents at the tender age of nine. Married off by her uncle at the age of 13, she eventually divorced her husband and returned to her own family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1912, Anasuya embarked on a journey to England to pursue further studies, and it was during this time that her life took a momentous turn. She came into contact with Fabianists such as George Bernard Shaw and Sydney Webb, who advocated for a gradual transition to a socialist society rather than revolutionary doctrines of Marxism. Inspired by their ideas, Anasuya dedicated herself to the cause of social equality. The following year, she returned to India and began working with marginalized and disempowered communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also Read: UPSC Toppers Ishita Kishore and Garima Lohia’s Inspiring Journeys<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n