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| Kamla Bhasin (Image via PTI) |
“Men of quality are not afraid of equality.” – Kamla Bhasin
Kamla Bhasin, the legendary activist, writer, poet and early fighter of the women’s movement in India, passed away on September 25, 2021.
Bhasin was born in Shaheedanwali (present-day Pakistan) on April 24, 1946. She was a free-spirited lady who refused to follow societal dictum about how girls should live. By her songs, slogans, speeches, poetry and books, she campaigned against violence and patriarchy and raised awareness on gender inequalities. She was diagnosed with an advanced form of liver cancer which took her away her soul but not her eternal imprint on women rights.
Bhasin simplified concepts of patriarchy and feminism in her books, poems, songs and speeches. In 50 years of her career, she founded several women’s groups to address issues related to violence against women, their education and health. In 1998, she started a feminist network called Sangat in South Asia, to campaign for gender justice. She conducted training programs to spread awareness about human rights, social justice and sustainable living.
Bhasin was always fiery in her interviews. In 2014, in an appearance on the popular television show “Satyamev Jayate,” she declared,
“When I was raped, people said I lost my honour. How did I lose my honour? My honour is not in my vagina. I would like to ask, why did they place their community’s honour in a women’s vagina?”
In 1980, Bhasin performed street plays, attended protests and campaigns to educate citizens about equality. In 1983, Rape laws were amended in large part as a result of the campaigns by feminist groups. She became a feminist not by reading other feminists, but by a larger natural process. She truly believed that feminism is not a western concept, rather Indian feminism has its roots in its own struggle. She urged that feminism is not a war between men and women instead is a fight between two ideologies.
She remained associated with the women’s movement instead of the backlash and personal struggles. Her 27-old-daughter, killed herself in 2006. Her son was left disabled as a reaction to a vaccine as a baby.
In 1984, Bhasin co-founded Jagori Women’s Resource and Documentation Centre with other feminists. Even in the present time, Jagori is an important resource for women in North India. Bhasin was a prolific poet. Over the years, Jagori has published several books of songs by Bhasin and other songs of the women’s movement. Bhasin had an immense contribution towards making peace between India and Pakistan, with activists like Tapan Bose, Kuldeep Nayar, Syeda Hameed and others.
Apart from founding the organisation SANGAT. Bhasin has authored many books- What Is Patriarchy, Exploring Masculinity, Borders and Boundaries: Women in India’s Partition and Mitwa.
Her poem "Kyunki main ladki hoon, mujhe padhna hai" has become memorable, which advocates the right to education for young girls.
Wherever Bhasin went, she never failed to make an impact. Her persona, her understanding of patriarchy and feminism drew thousands of people together. Boundaries were meaningless to her. Her speeches, poems, songs, slogans and vocal nature inspired many. People were mesmerized by her, many considered her as their mentor. Cancer may have seized her body but not her spirit.
Author:
Ankita Mazumdar
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