The death anniversary of freedom fighter Madame Bhikaji Cama was observed on August 13.
About Madame Bhikaji Cama:
- Madame Bhikaji Cama, born on September 24, 1861, in Navsari, Gujarat, was a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle.
- She was born to Sorabji Framji Patel and Jaijibai Sorabai Patel and became known as the “Mother of the Indian Revolution.”
- Cama was a staunch advocate for Indian independence and played a significant role in propagating the cause of Swaraj abroad.
Key Contributions:
- Cama was an ardent supporter of the Indian freedom movement on an international stage.
- She was instrumental in spreading the message of Indian independence among the Indian community in England and other parts of Europe.
- In 1905, she co-founded the Paris Indian Society, also known as Bharat Mandal, along with Munchershah Burjorji Godrej and S.R. Rana.
- This organization was pivotal in garnering international support for India’s independence.
- On August 22, 1907, Cama made history by becoming the first person to hoist the Indian flag on foreign soil in Stuttgart, Germany. The flag she unfurled was co-designed by herself and Shyamji Krishna Varma.
- Cama authored, published, and distributed revolutionary literature, including the Paris edition of Bande Mataram and Madan’s Talwar.
- She organized numerous campaigns and exhibitions to empower women and raise awareness about India’s struggle for freedom. She also attempted to incite Indian troops in Bordeaux, leading to her arrest and eventual exile to Southern France in 1915.
Legacy:
- Madame Bhikaji Cama’s legacy is honoured in many ways.
- Several streets and places in Indian cities are named after her.
- On January 26, 1962, the Indian government issued a commemorative stamp in her honour on the 11th Republic Day.
- Furthermore, in 1997, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned a Priyadarshini-class fast patrol vessel, ICGS Bhikaji Cama, in recognition of her contributions to the nation.
Ref: Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |
Frequently Asked Question:
Who was Madame Bhikaji Cama?
Madame Bhikaji Cama was a prominent freedom fighter known for her international advocacy for Indian independence.
What is Madame Bhikaji Cama’s most notable contribution?
Her most notable contribution was hoisting the Indian flag on foreign soil in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907.
When and where was Madame Bhikaji Cama born?
She was born on September 24, 1861, in Navsari, Gujarat.
Why is Madame Bhikaji Cama called the “Mother of the Indian Revolution”?
She earned the title due to her significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, especially in advocating Swaraj abroad.