Andhra Mahila Sabha : A Journey of Empowerment
Andhra Mahila Sabha : A Journey of Empowerment
The Andhra Mahila Sabha (AMS) has been a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in Andhra Pradesh, shaped by the contributions of numerous eminent leaders and freedom fighters. Among them, Durgabai Deshmukh, often called the “Iron Lady,” stands out as a pivotal figure. A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, she participated in the Salt Satyagraha and founded AMS as well as other significant social welfare organizations. Durgabai also edited the journal Andhra Mahila, inspiring women to challenge oppressive social norms, and established the Andhra Education Society.
AMS made strides in education with the launch of the Andhra Mahila Sabha Arts & Science College for Women in 1966, initially as an evening college aimed at providing higher education opportunities for working women and housewives in Hyderabad.
Support from Various Sectors
The growth of AMS has been significantly supported by a diverse range of sponsors, trusts, and generous donors. This financial backing has been crucial in providing resources for initiatives that enhance women’s educational and socio-economic status. The collaborative efforts of these contributors, alongside advocacy from prominent leaders, have propelled AMS toward its mission of empowering women. Together, historical figures and modern supporters continue to drive AMS’s vision of a society where women are educated, empowered, and treated as equals.
Andhra Mahila Sabha: A Legacy of Empowerment
The Andhra Mahila Sabha has been a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in Andhra Pradesh since its inception in 1938. The organization’s growth can be attributed to the support of several eminent personalities, including freedom fighters and influential leaders.
Key Supporters and Their Contributions
– Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation offered his support in 1946, lending credibility to the organization’s mission ¹.
– Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: As the First Prime Minister of India, Nehru was a principal supporter of the Andhra Mahila Sabha.
– Dr. Rajendra Prasad: The First President of Independent India supported the organization in 1958, further solidifying its reputation.
– Durgabai Deshmukh: As the founder of the Andhra Mahila Sabha, Durgabai played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission and values.
– Other notable supporters: The organization has also received support from other prominent leaders, including Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Husain, and Babu Jagjivan Ram.
Legacy of Empowerment
Today, the Andhra Mahila Sabha continues to empower women through education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives. The organization’s commitment to social responsibility and women’s empowerment has made a lasting impact on the community.
Eminent Visitors to AMS
Many notable figures have visited AMS and contributed to its mission:
- Mahatma Gandhi – Offered support in 1946.
- Jawaharlal Nehru – First Prime Minister of India; a principal supporter of AMS.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad – First President of Independent India; supported AMS in 1958.
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan – Second President of India; endorsed AMS in 1962.
- Dr. Zakir Husain – First Vice President of India; contributed in 1963.
- Babu Jagjivan Ram – Deputy Prime Minister of India; supported AMS initiatives in 1947.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Responded positively to Durgabai’s request for a library in the Supreme Court.
- Sarojini Naidu – First woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh; championed women’s issues.
- Vijay Lakshmi Pandit – Ambassador to the Soviet Union; advocated for women’s rights.
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay – Renowned social reformer who supported AMS.
- Sir C.D. Deshmukh – UGC Chairman (1956-61) and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi (1962-67); promoted educational reforms.
- Suchita Kriplani – First Chief Minister of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh); proponent of women’s political empowerment.
- Indira Gandhi – First woman Prime Minister of India; supported social initiatives for women.
- Dr. B.C. Roy – Second Chief Minister of West Bengal; recognized the importance of women’s development.
- C. Rajagopalachari – First Indian Governor-General; supported various social causes.
- Morarji Desai – Fourth Prime Minister of India; acknowledged women’s roles in nation-building.
- Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu – First Chief Minister of Andhra State; endorsed local initiatives for women’s upliftment.
- Pattabhi Seetharamaiah – Freedom fighter and founder of Andhra Bank; advocated for women’s rights.
- M.S. Subbulakshmi – Bharat Ratna recipient and world-renowned Carnatic vocalist; inspired many through her art.
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – Former President of India; served as Chief Guest at the annual Momentum event organized by the Department of Physics.
- Jageesh Daneti-Cine writer visited on 9/1/2019
- Dr.M.Prasad, Chief embryologist, Anus test Tubed Center visited on 23/02/2019
- Prof.M.Limbadri, Vice Chairman, TSCHE visited 7/3/2019
- Dr.K.V.Ramana Chary, IAS (retd) visited on 11/3/2019
- Sri Naveen Mittal, IAS, visited on 19/3/2019
- G.Srinivas,Joint Secretary, UGC visited on 19/3/2019
- Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan , Governor of Telangana visited on 5/2/2020
- Hon.Justice G.Chandraiah , Chair person Telangana state Human Rights commission visited on 18/2/2020
- Geetha Bhat, UGC Representative in Governing Body Member visited on 21/3/2022
- Suddala Ashok Teja, Poet , Movi writer visited on 11/4/2023
- Dr.Mahender Dewal Chief scientist USA visited on 17/8/2023
- Dr.D.Veerela pati CEO, S2 tech visited 10/7/2023
- Dr Bharat Vatwani , Ramon Magsaysay Award winner and psychiatrist Bharat Vatwani’s Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation visited on 24/9/2023
- Dr.Srinivas Reddy , Director IICT visited on 28/10/2023
- Dr. Ravi S. Jandhyala is a cardiologist in Anaheim, California and is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Anaheim and Irvine Medical Centers visited 1/11/2023
- Narsingil Mengil EX MLA, president Hindustan Scouts & Guides – India visited on 15/6/2024
- Mr.Dr. Surajith mitra, Director and VC IIFT New Delhi
- Kalvakuntla Kavitha, MP, Telangana
- DR Y.S.Rajashekar, CM Inauguration of School of Informatics Building
- Jaya Sudha, Cini Star
- Praveen Kumar, IPS
- Prof Prakash Vice Chancellor Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Open University
- Smt Tessy Thomas, “Agni Putri” , Project Director, DRDO for COnvacation
- Prof SatyaNarayana, VC , Osmania University
- Dr P.Padmavathy, VC ,JLN and Fine Arts University, Hyd
- Swami Bodamanayanda ,Director, Vivekanada Institute of Human Excellence, Rama krishna Math,hyd
- Smt Sunitha,IAS, Commissioner of Collegiate Education
- Prof C.Vishweshwar Rao, VC Simhapuri University
- Vasundhara Secretary Income, IAS
- Smt Poonam malakondaiah , IAS
- Sri Banwar lal ,IAS, Hyderabad District Collector
- Ajay Sharma , Deputy Collector
- Dr. Chakrapani , IAS, Board of Intermediate
- Lakshmi Narayana, Commissioner of Collegiate Education
- Prof Beena Ex.Registarar
- Prof Bikshamaiah , Controller of Examination
- Sri SN Subba Rao, Director, National youth Project
- Dr C.Narayan Reddy, Gynya Peeth Awardee
- Gundu Hanumanth Rao,K.Vishwanatham,Veturi Sundraramamurthy
- Sri .Srinivas ,Director UGC SERO
- Sri Jeelani , Director UGC SERO
