Anasuya Sarabhai’s 132nd Birthday

Born on this day in 1885, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, pioneering feminist and activist Anasuya Sarabhai was instrumental in altering the course of India’s labor history.

Briefly married as an adolescent, Sarabhai fought social convention and left in 1912 to study at the London School of Economics. There she was swept up in the suffragette movement and newly discovered ideas of social equality that laid the foundation for her life’s work.

Back home in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai started to work with disempowered women, particularly taking on the cause of local mill workers after learning of their 36-hour work shifts. In 1914 she helped Ahmedabad's weavers successfully organize their first strike for higher wages. In the years that followed, she went on to become their most vocal supporter, negotiating with mill owners (including her brother) for better working conditions. She was affectionately called “Motaben,” Gujarati for “elder sister.”

She was supported in her work by Mahatma Gandhi, with whom she set up Gujarat’s oldest labor union. It later paved the way for the founding of the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA).

Today’s Doodle was created by Maria Qamar, a Pakistani-Canadian artist and author of the book Trust No Aunty. “Anasuya’s dedication to justice and equality is something I can relate to,” says Qamar. In drawing the activist, she took inspiration from the Indian textile industry. “I portrayed delicate fabrics and traditional patterns found in our homes and our closets,” explains Qamar. “I am honored to have the opportunity to share Anasuya’s legacy with the world.”

Happy Birthday, Anasuya Sarabhai!

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