Anasuya Sarabhai Biography 
Anasuya Sarabhai was a social worker from Ahmedabad, best known for her efforts towards women empowerment. She was a pioneer of the women’s labour movement in India. She founded India’s oldest union of textile workers - Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association in 1920. She was the sister of well-known industrialist and businessman, Ambalal Sarabhai, the senior most member of Sarabhai group of industries, a pioneer in textiles and pharmaceuticals since early 1900s.
Anasuya Sarabhai was a social worker from Ahmedabad belonging to the prestigious Sarabhai industrial family. Many of her family members established themselves in different fields and earned success and fame. Ambalal Sarabhai, Vikram Sarabhai, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mallika Sarabhai, Gautam Sarabhai, Kartikeya Sarabhai, Revanta Sarabhai and Mridula Sarabhai are among other famous members of Sarabhai business family, associated with the fields of arts, business, politics etc. Gautam and Vikram Sarabhai born to industrialist Seth Ambalal Sarabhai and Sarladevi, were her nephews.
Anasuya Sarabhai was born on 11 November 1885 into the Sarabhai family as the daughter of Maganlal Karmchand Sarabhai and Godavariba. She lost both her parents before she reached 9. So, she along with her two siblings was sent to their uncle. She got married at the age of 13. But her marriage life was unsuccessful. She went to England in 1912 to take a medical degree, but switched to the London School of Economics. As an activist her life began while at England, when she got involved with Suffragette movement.
Once she returned back to India she continued with her social work. This time she focussed on the uplift of women and children of the society. She started a school and also got involved with labour movement. Fondly called Motaben, Sarabhai died in 1972.
Published: January 07, 2019
Updated: January 07, 2019
