Bhikaiji Patel-Cama, a prominent feminist-nationalist and freedom fighter from India, made history by hoisting the Indian flag at the International Socialist Conference in Germany on August 2, 1907. At a time when the Indian freedom movement was dominated by men, her bold act drew global attention to the country's plight and struggle for independence from British rule. Despite her significant contributions, Bhikaiji Patel-Cama remains a lesser-known figure in India's history, overshadowed by her male counterparts. This article delves into the life of this extraordinary woman, exploring her role in India's fight for freedom and her lasting legacy.
Bhikaiji Cama: A Trailblazing Freedom Fighter Who Hoisted the Indian Flag Abroad
Bhikaiji Cama was a pioneering feminist, nationalist, and freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India's independence movement. Her bold act of hoisting the Indian flag at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, on August 2, 1907, made her an icon and brought international attention to India's struggle for freedom.
Early Life and Education:
Bhikaiji Cama was born on September 24, 1861, in Bombay (now Mumbai). Her father, Sorabji Patel, was a wealthy Parsi businessman, and her mother, Jaijibai, was a devout Jain. Cama received a Western-style education at Alexandra Girls' English Institution and developed a keen interest in politics and social justice.
Political Activism:
Cama became involved in the Indian freedom movement in the early 1900s. She joined the Indian National Congress and worked closely with Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent nationalist leader. In 1902, she was forced to flee India after being implicated in a plot to assassinate the Governor of Bombay.
Exile in Europe:
In exile in Europe, Cama continued her political activism. She established the Paris Indian Society and published the revolutionary journal "Bande Mataram." She also forged alliances with other Indian revolutionaries, such as V.D. Savarkar and Lala Lajpat Rai.
The Stuttgart Conference:
In 1907, Cama attended the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart. It was during this conference that she unfurled the first Indian tricolor flag outside India. The flag featured three horizontal stripes of green, saffron, and red, with the Vande Mataram mantra inscribed in the center.
Indian National Flag:
Cama's flag inspired Indian nationalists around the world. It became a symbol of India's struggle for independence and a rallying point for freedom fighters. The flag was officially adopted as India's national flag in 1947.
Later Life and Legacy:
Cama returned to India in 1914 after the outbreak of World War I. She continued to be active in politics, but her health declined later in life. She passed away on August 13, 1936, in Bombay.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Bhikaiji Cama and the Indian Flag:
Who designed the Indian flag?
What do the colors of the Indian flag represent?
What was Bhikaiji Cama's role in the Indian independence movement?
What was the significance of Cama's flag hoisting?
When was the Indian flag officially adopted?
Organisers in India are using artificial intelligence to manage the world's largest human gathering, the Kumbh Mela, in order to prevent deadly stampedes from occurring. With an estimated 400 million pilgrims expected to attend the festival, authorities are hoping that this technology will help improve their record of crowd management. By gathering accurate estimates of crowd sizes, they can be better prepared for potential trouble and ensure that every pilgrim can fulfill their spiritual duties safely.
The 45-day long Kumbh Mela festival, known as the largest religious gathering in the world, has begun in the Indian city of Prayagraj. The festival, held once every 12 years, has attracted an estimated 400 million attendees this year due to a rare astronomical alignment. With millions taking a holy dip on the first day, the festival has garnered international attention and can even be seen from space.
Indian leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi took to social media to pay their respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in a tragic mishap in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The accident occurred due to inclement weather and poor visibility, further worsening the tensions in the conflict-ridden region. The injured soldiers were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical care, with three succumbing to their injuries. This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers faced by Army personnel in their line of duty in J&K.
Following a long-awaited ceasefire deal, Israel postponed the Cabinet vote due to a last-minute dispute with Hamas. While this drew criticism from world leaders, Netanyahu's government coalition raised concerns about the implementation of the deal. Amidst the tension, Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty urged both parties to implement the agreement without any further delay. Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the deal, but the militant group denied this claim. Amidst the political jostling, Israel's hardline national security minister threatened to quit the government if it approves the ceasefire.
At a press briefing in the State Department, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers, who denounced U.S. policy on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The interruptions occurred as Blinken discussed a recent ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. This display highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and the challenges facing the Biden administration in navigating this complex issue.
After months of negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, a deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza. The ceasefire, set to last for six weeks, will see the exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and the repositioning of Israeli forces. The agreement, facilitated by the United States, has been welcomed by President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. Israel's security cabinet is expected to approve the deal on Thursday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three Indian-made naval vessels, including a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine, highlighting the country's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. During his address, PM Modi emphasized the importance of protecting territorial waters, ensuring freedom of navigation, and securing trade routes. He also highlighted India's expanding role in the global defence sector, noting the country's increasing exports and partnerships. The commissioned vessels, equipped with advanced technology and significant indigenous content, reflect India's growing ambition in strengthening its naval capabilities.
Police and protesters clashed violently in China's Shaanxi province over the death of a 17-year-old student, Dang Changxin, who was found dead in his dormitory on January 2. The protests were triggered by allegations of a cover-up by local authorities, who reportedly closed the case within 24 hours and did not allow the student's mother to see his body. The non-for-profit group Human Rights In China claims suspicious circumstances surrounding Dang's death, including witness reports of a struggle in his dormitory and the suggestion that he was pushed from the roof.
Take a deeper dive into the world of Hindu monks and their role in managing the sacred Kumbh Mela event. Learn about the organisational structure of Akharas and their historical significance, as well as their influence over the Amrit Snan ritual. Discover how the Amrit Snan order has evolved over the centuries and the current power dynamic between the Akharas and the institutionalised process.
Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has been drawn towards the spiritual heritage of India and will be attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. The grand gathering, known as one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, kicked off today and is expected to draw millions of pilgrims from around the globe. Powell Jobs will be staying at the Niranjani Akhara’s camp under the guidance of Kailashanand Giri Maharaj and has been given the Hindu name "Kamala." This reflects her deep connection to Hindu traditions and practices.