TAMIL
VARALARU PADAITHA VAIRA MANGAYAR: Bhanumathi Dharmarajan; Pudhughai Thenral Veliyeedu, 24, Thirunagar Main Road, Vadapalani, Chennai-600026. Rs. 200.
FROM RANI Velu Nachiar of the 17th century to Usha Mehta of the 20th, this book tells the story of 22 of India's women of eminence who made history in the field of women's emancipation and rehabilitation in the country. Apart from being passionate, they had the courage of conviction in the causes they espoused, whether it is widow marriage, propagation of khadi and handicrafts, organising women against exploitation, or educating the disadvantaged sections of society.
Among those from Tamil Nadu figuring in this collection are: Velu Nachiar who fought the British; Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammayar, who worked for the abolition of devadasi system; and Sister Subbulakshmi who dedicated herself to the cause of women's education.
Contributions made by Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, Rukmini Lakshmipathi Thillayadi Valliammai, S. Ambujammal, and Rukmini Devi in their chosen areas of women's uplift and empowerment have also been documented.
Notable names from the other States covered in this book are: Savitribha Phule, Madam Cama, Sarladevi Chaudhurani, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur,Mridhula Sarabhai, and Usha Mehta. Interesting nuggets and a simple narrative style enhance readability.
