Rajkumari Amrit Kaur in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence and a distinguished social reformer whose contributions extended far beyond the political arena. Born into royalty, she renounced privilege to dedicate her life to the cause of national liberation and social progress. Her leadership in the Indian National Congress, participation in the freedom movement, and later service as India’s first Health Minister made her one of the most remarkable women of twentieth-century India.

Early Life and Education

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was born on 2 February 1889 in Kapurthala, Punjab, into a princely Sikh family. Her father, Raja Sir Harnam Singh, was a progressive ruler known for his close association with British officials and Christian missionaries. Amrit Kaur was educated in England at Sherborne School for Girls and Oxford University, where she imbibed liberal values and a sense of social duty. Though raised in privilege, she developed a strong sense of justice and equality that would shape her later political career.
After returning to India, she became increasingly concerned about the status of women and the plight of the poor under British rule. Influenced by both Christian humanitarian ideals and Indian nationalist thought, she chose to devote herself to the cause of India’s emancipation.

Entry into the Indian Freedom Movement

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur’s involvement in the freedom struggle began in the early 1920s when she came into contact with Mahatma Gandhi. Deeply impressed by his philosophy of truth and non-violence, she decided to join his campaign for self-rule. She worked closely with Gandhi at his ashram in Sabarmati and later became his private secretary for several years.
She participated actively in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34). Her activities included organising protests, addressing women’s gatherings, and promoting the use of khadi as a symbol of self-reliance. As a member of the Indian National Congress, she worked tirelessly to mobilise women, encouraging them to join the national movement despite societal constraints.

Role in Women’s Empowerment and Social Reform

A staunch advocate of women’s rights, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur recognised that political independence was incomplete without social emancipation. She co-founded the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) in 1927 along with other reformers such as Margaret Cousins and Sarojini Naidu. The organisation aimed at improving women’s education, legal status, and social position in India.
Her efforts were instrumental in raising awareness against practices such as child marriage, purdah, and female illiteracy. She campaigned vigorously for women’s participation in public life and demanded equal rights in education, employment, and political representation.
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur also contributed to the development of girls’ education through the establishment of educational institutions and hostels. Her work with the AIWC led to the passage of several social reform laws concerning women’s welfare in pre-independence India.

Imprisonment and Sacrifice

During the Quit India Movement of 1942, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur played a crucial role in mobilising resistance against British rule. Her speeches and writings inspired many women to participate in the struggle. As a result of her political activities, she was arrested and imprisoned by the British authorities.
Despite belonging to a royal family, she endured imprisonment with dignity, symbolising the unity of purpose that bound Indians across class and caste lines in their fight for freedom. Her prison experiences further deepened her commitment to the Gandhian ideals of self-reliance, equality, and non-violence.

Political Leadership and Constitutional Role

After India achieved independence in 1947, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur became a member of the Constituent Assembly, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution. She was one of the few women members of this historic body. Her speeches reflected her strong belief in gender equality, social justice, and public welfare.
She was appointed India’s first Minister of Health in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet, a position she held from 1947 to 1957. During her tenure, she laid the foundation of India’s public health system and promoted modern medical education and preventive healthcare.
Her most notable achievement was the establishment of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi in 1956, which she envisioned as a premier institution for medical education and research. She also championed campaigns against malaria, leprosy, and tuberculosis, and supported family planning initiatives.

International Recognition and Humanitarian Work

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur’s influence extended beyond India. She represented the country at several international forums, including the World Health Organization (WHO), where she served as the first female President of the World Health Assembly in 1950. Her appointment was a landmark moment for women’s leadership in global health governance.
She also advocated for peace, disarmament, and global cooperation in public health. Her work earned her recognition as a humanitarian who combined Indian values with modern scientific and ethical perspectives.