Perin Captain Biography 
Perin Captain was a freedom fighter and social worker who lived during 1888–1958. She was a recipient of Padma Shri given by government of India, in recognition to her efforts towards the fields of social service towards the nation. She was a granddaughter of Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India. Born into a Parsi family she was educated in Mumbai. She was a member of several War Councils of the Bombay, Congress and also its first woman president in 1932. She participated in freedom struggle movement and was arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Perin Ben Captain was born into a Parsi family in Mandvi, Gujarat in the year 1888. She was born into the family of famous Dadabhai Naoroji, as his granddaughter. Perin’s father Ardeshir was the eldest son of Naoroji. He was a doctor. Prein’s mother Virbai Dadina was a homemaker. She had 7 younger siblings. She lost her father when she was 5 years old. Her family shifted to Mumbai where she had her early education, and she moved to France for advanced studies. It was during this time she came into touch with Bhikaiji Cama, while at Paris, and she too decided to join freedom struggle movement. She was associated with their activities at Paris before she moved back to India.
Soon after she returned to India in 1911, she got a chance to meet Mahatma Gandhi and plunged into the nationalist movement. By 1919, she started working with him. She wore Khakhi an actively participated in Swadeshi Movement. She helped in the setup of Rashtriya Stree Sabha, for women. She got married in 1925, yet continued with her nationalist movement. She was the first woman president of Bombay Provincial Congress Committee. After Indian independence and till her death in 1958, she served as the secretary of Gandhi Seva Sena.
Published: September 16, 2018
Updated: September 16, 2018
