Durga Puja Special: Stree Shakti: Begum Rokeya
As we welcome Maa Durga, the epitome of Stree Shakti (Nari Shakti- Empowered Women) – here is part one of my seven-part series on some great Bengali Women who played their part in shaping the India of today.
Begum Rokeya
Begum Rokeya was born in 1880 at Rangpur (present-day Bangladesh). Her father was a Zamindar. She didn’t get any formal education but her elder brother, Ibrahim helped her learn Bengali and a little bit of English. She was attracted to studies but she didn’t get any opportunity till she got married. After her marriage in 1898 to Sakhawat Hussain, an Urdu speaking Deputy Magistrate of Bhagalpur – she got the opportunity to expand her knowledge. As a liberal husband, he encouraged Begum Rokeya to continue learning Bengali and English. He also encouraged her to write, and on his advice, she adopted Bengali as the principal language for her literary works.
Begum Rokeya’s writings started coming out from 1904 onwards and all her works were related to women’s liberation. She is today, known as the pioneer of women’s liberation in South Asia.
Her one and only English Novel, “Sultana’s Dreams” reversed the roles of men and women with women being the dominant force in her fantasy world.
Her thoughts, writings, and actions were all way ahead of her contemporaries. After her husband’s death in 1909, she established a school named Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ High School which is presently located at Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata. Till her death, she ran the school herself. She played a pivotal role in Women’s education in Bengal.
She died in 1932 in Kolkata and she is one of those very few souls whose birthday and deathday falls on the same day (9th December).
9th December is celebrated as Rokeya Day in Bangladesh. In 2004 she was ranked number 6 in BBC’s poll of the Greatest Bengali of All Times.
Here saluting her indomitable spirit – the true Nari Shakti as we welcome Maa Durga during the tough times of Covid-19.
Stay Safe Everyone. Let’s celebrate from home.
May Maa Durga bless us all.
The 2nd Part of this Seven Part Series will release tomorrow where we discuss another Woman who left an indelible mark in Indian history.
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Good one, Sourav. I don’t think I ever read about her, unfortunately. Waiting for the next one.
Thanks, Hafiz. The next one releases tomorrow!
Truly inspiring & an unknown story of Women empowerment! Waiting for the next one tomorrow.
Thanks, Bikash. There are a lot of Bengali Women who did a lot but have not been remembered. Some are known and many are unknown. This is my way of thanking these true “Agni Kanyas” of Bengal.
It was really good reading it. Many Like me are not aware of her but we should be giving her pivotal role in Indian History.
Thanks, Bias. We should be thankful to all these Bravehearts whom I call the real “Bengali Agni Kanyas” who helped shape our history.
Hello Sourav,
Congratulations on your well-written story of female (i. e. Begum Rokeya’s) achievements.
It is worth to note that having the right people around you, who unconditionally encourage positive changes in your life, is incredibly critical to one’s sustainable growth and meaningful achievements. Rokeya’s brother and husband were good examples of such inspiring people.
Rokeya’s well-thought points on religion and women’s progress (or lack thereof), from back in the 1900’s, is still seen as a highly controversial subject, even in our digitally-progressed 2020. So, we may still have a long way to go, when it comes to women and equality, in my opinion.
Keep up the good work, my friend 🙂
Warm regards,
Becks
Thanks Becks. We do have a long way to go 🙂
Sourav kono din shunini ena der kotha..thanks for writing on such personality
Thank You Anuj Da.