In the social history of India, there are some personalities whose names evoke images of social service, women's empowerment, and humanity. Ela Bhatt was one of those great figures who not only organized women in India's unorganized sector but also inspired them to live self-reliant and self-respecting lives. Her life is an example of an ideal Gandhian worker who remained steadfast in her beliefs and whose work brought change to the lives of millions of women.
Early Life: A Sadhana Rooted in Values
Born on September 7, 1933, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Ela Bhatt had a b foundation of education and social consciousness in her family. Her father, Sumantrai Bhatt, was a distinguished lawyer, while her mother, Vanilila Vyas, was active in the women's movement. Raised in such an environment, Ela understood at a very young age that work and empathy were necessary to improve society. Ela graduated in English from MTB College in Surat and then earned a law degree from LA Shah Law College in Ahmedabad. She was so proficient in law that she also received a gold medal for her work on Hindu law.
The Beginning: The Journey from Teacher to Activist
She began her career by teaching English at SNDT Women's University in Mumbai, but her heart was more inclined to working for the rights of women. With this aim, she started working with the Textile Labour Association (TLA) of Ahmedabad in 1955. From here began Ela Bhatt's real journey of social service and struggle for women. She knew that there were millions of women who worked at home, carried burdens on their heads, and sold goods on the roadside – but they were not even considered laborers.
Establishment of SEWA: The Foundation of a Revolution
In 1972, Ela Bhatt founded the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA). This organization was a historic initiative towards organizing women working in the unorganized sector. Ela knew that these women were neither part of any union nor within the purview of government security schemes. SEWA's objective was to make women self-reliant, provide them with legal and financial assistance, and provide them with basic facilities like health, education, and insurance. From 1972 to 1996, Ela Bhatt was the General Secretary of SEWA, and she made this organization a model, not only in India but also globally.
Global Recognition: The Elders and International Platforms
Ela Bhatt's contribution was not limited to India. In 2007, when Nelson Mandela brought together some intellectuals of the world to form a global group called 'The Elders', Ela Bhatt was included in it. The aim of this group was to provide guidance to solve the world's most complex issues. She bly voiced India's voice on international platforms on topics such as women's rights, child marriage, education, and non-violence. She always said, 'The path of non-violence is the most difficult, but this is true courage.'
Awards and Honors: The World Applauded
Ela Bhatt was honored with numerous awards in India and worldwide, including:
- Padma Shri (1985)
- Padma Bhushan (1986)
- Ramon Magsaysay Award (1977)
- Right Livelihood Award (1984)
- Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2011)
- Radcliffe Medal (2011)
- Global Fairness Initiative Award (2010)
Personal Life: Simplicity, Service, and Resolve
Ela Bhatt's personal life was very simple, filled with simplicity, and full of inspiration. She married Ramesh Bhatt in 1956 and had two children. Throughout her life, she never lived a life of show, but always worked peacefully, with a spirit of service and honesty. She not only believed in Gandhi's ideas like non-violence, truth, and self-reliance but also fully implemented them in her life. Her life is an example for every person who wants to bring change in society.
Farewell: But the Ideas are Immortal
On November 2, 2022, Ela Bhatt left this world. But she still remains a symbol of service, struggle, and empowerment. Her thinking and organization are still showing millions of women the path to self-reliance. Ela Bhatt's life is an example of social service, empowerment, and simplicity. She gave a new direction to society by making women self-reliant. Her thoughts and actions still inspire us that if change is to be brought about, self-confidence and a spirit of service are most important. Great personalities like Ela Bhatt will always be remembered.
Ela Bhatt's life was dedicated to the upliftment of the most vulnerable section of society — women. The movement she started with service, simplicity, and courage is still a source of inspiration. Her thoughts, organization, and contributions will be remembered for centuries and will continue to show the path to empowerment for future generations.
