Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov 2: Ela Bhatt, a well-known attorney, campaigner for women’s rights and microfinance, and recipient of the Padma Bhushan, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89.
Ela Bhatt, a well-known supporter of Gandhi, pushed for women’s economic emancipation. In India, she established and oversaw the Self-employed Women’s Association (SEWA). She established India’s first women’s bank, the Cooperative Bank of SEWA, in 1973 as part of her efforts to advance the economic wellbeing of women. In 1979, she also joined in the founding of Women’s World Banking.
In 1985, she was awarded the fourth-highest civilian honour in India, the Padma Shri, and in 1986, the third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan. She was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2011 in recognition of her work to empower women via entrepreneurship. In 1977, she was received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, tweeted his condolences and noted that Bhatt had left an enviable legacy. Jairam Ramesh said that she remained undeterred by attacks on her in ‘New India’.
Extremely saddened by the passing away of renowned Gandhian & founder of SEWA, Ela Bhatt ji.
A Padma Bhushan recipient and a pioneer of women's rights, she devoted her life in empowering them through grassroots entrepreneurship.
Her exceptional legacy shall always inspire. pic.twitter.com/OjtQoOeEgj
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 2, 2022
