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Kulsum Sayani (21 October 1900 – 27 May 1987) was an Indian Muslim woman freedom fighter, social worker, educational activist and Gandhian nationalist. She joined Mahatma Gandhi along with her father as well as her husband Dr. Jaan Mohammad Sayani.

Early life and background

She was born on 21 October 1900 in Gujarat. Kulsum claimed to improve India's literacy rates and became a member of the Charkha Class.

Life

She met Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, accompanied by her father and became a follower. During the Indian National Movement, she actively fought for social reforms. She participated in the Indian Freedom Struggle. Additionally, she played a role in the Jan Jagaran programs organized by the Indian National Congress to raise awareness about social issues. Sayani also worked in Mumbai and its suburbs. However, the leaders of the Muslim League did not support her activities. They believed that she was enticing impoverished communities to join the Indian National Congress and organized counter programs to negate her efforts.

She promoted education among adults by starting a fortnightly Urdu publication called Helper. She also travelled internationally and represented India in several conferences.

Personal life

She married another freedom fighter, Dr. Jaan Mohamad Sayani who was son of Rahimtulla M. Sayani a pioneer lawyer. Her older son Hamid Sayani was actor, radio personality, and magician, famous for running Bournvita Quiz Contest. Her younger son Ameen Sayani was radio personality and master of ceremonies famous for his voice and hosting Binaca Geetmala.

Literary works

• Proudha Siksha mein Mere Anubhav
• Bharat-Pak Maitri – Mere Prayatn
• Bharateeya Swatantra Sangram mein Mahilaon ki Bhumika
• Bharat mein Proudh Siksha

Awards

In 1959 she was acknowledged by the Government of India, who gave her the Padma Shri award. In 1969, she received the Jawaharlal Nehru Award from the President of India for contributions to literature.

Death

Kulsum Sayani died on 27 May, 1987.

References

1. TwoCircles.net (2010-05-16). "Kulsum Sayani: A 'Rahber' of Hindustani". TwoCircles.net. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
2. "Many facets of an activist". The Hindu. 2010-08-14. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
3. "» Collections » K. Sayani". www.s-asian.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
4. "Express View on Ameen Sayani: Voice of a nation". The Indian Express. 2024-02-22. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
5. "RIP Ameen Sayani, Whose Warm Voice Captivated Millions of Listeners for Generations". The Wire. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
6. Majumdar, Maya (2005). Encyclopaedia of Gender Equality Through Women Empowerment. Sarup & Sons. ISBN 978-81-7625-548-6.
7. Parr, Rosalind (2022-02-03). Citizens of Everywhere: Indian Women, Nationalism and Cosmopolitanism. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-83814-6.
8. Roy, Kalpana (1999). Encyclopaedia of Violence Against Women and Dowry Death in India. Anmol Publications. ISBN 978-81-261-0343-0.
9. O'Brien, Derek (2019-02-28). The Bournvita Quiz Contest Collector's Edition: Volume 1. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-5305-480-9.
10. Sharma, Suparna. "'Sisters and brothers': Ameen Sayani, India's subversive 'king of radio'". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
11. Sharma, Rinkal (2024-02-23). Forgotten Gems : 75 Brave Women of India. Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd. ISBN 978-93-5964-889-7.
12. Forbes, Geraldine; Forbes, Geraldine Hancock (1999-04-28). Women in Modern India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-65377-0.
13. Tyabji, Salima (2024-01-16). The Changing World of a Bombay Muslim Community, 1870 - 1945. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-286974-6.
14. Raman, Sita Anantha (2009-06-08). Women in India: A Social and Cultural History [2 volumes]. Bloomsbury Publishing USA. ISBN 978-0-313-01440-6.

Bibliography

• Sharma, Rinkal (2024). Forgotten Gems : 75 Brave Women of India (1st ed.). New Delhi: Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd. ISBN 978-9359646152.

• 1900 births
• 1987 deaths
• Recipients of the Padma Shri in social work