Durgabai Deshmukh Biography 
Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh was a freedom fighter, social worker, public activist, lawyer and a politician who has served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India. She was a Parliamentarian, an institution builder and a pioneer in social development. She was the second wife of Indian civil servant and administrator, C. D. Deshmukh, better known as the first Indian to be appointed as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in British India. The couple was jointly given Padma Vibhushan in 1975, for their outstanding contributions to administration and social work. Durgabai Deshmukh passed away on 9 May 1981.
Since very young she got associated with Indian national congress and freedom struggle movement as a student leader. Since young she was quite dutiful towards her responsibly. In early 1920s she has served as a volunteer for a Khadi exhibition. She prohibited Jawaharlal Nehru from entering the exhibition without a ticket and replied that she was strictly following the instructions. Her courage was praised by Nehru. She was born in 15 July 1909 in the town of Rajahmundry. She participated in Gandhi-led satyagrahas many times and was closely associated with freedom struggle movement.
As a social worker, she is known for her outstanding contributions to poor and needy. She founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha in 1937. She served as the president of the Blind Relief Association, and also set up a school, hostel and a workshop for the students. A member of the Constituent Assembly of India, she also served as a member of Planning Commission. She co-founded Central Social Welfare Board and served as its chairman. She was awarded with UNESCO Award for outstanding work in the field of literacy. Padma Vibhushan, Nehru Literacy Award and Paul G Hoffman Award are other major awards received by her.
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Updated: March 20, 2016
