2018-04-11 Wed

Kasturba Gandhi was born at Porbandar on April 11, 1896. She was a political activist and the wife of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. In association with her husband, Kasturba Gandhi was involved in the Indian Independence Movement.

Kasturba Gandhi first involved herself with politics in South Africa in 1904 when she helped her husband and others establish the PHOENIX settlement near Durban. Then in 1913, she took part in the protest against the ill-treatment of Indian immigrants in South Africa, for which she was arrested.

Kasturba and Gandhi then permanently left South Africa in July 1914 and returned to live in India. She continued to take part in civil actions and protests that were organized by Gandhi across India. Moreover, she often took her husband's spot if he was in prison. Majority of her time was dedicated to helping out and serving in ashrams. Here, Kasturba was referred to as "Ba" or Mother, because she served as mother of the ashrams.

Kasturba Gandhi died on February 22, 1944, in Aga Khan Palace were her memorial is built. She is still remembered as a great woman of her time.

On 22 February 1964 Indian Postal Department issued commemorative stamp to honor this great women.

Image Source: Mintage World