Madam Bhikaji Cama was one of the most respected figures in India’s freedom movement. She was a brave woman who stood up against British rule when few dared to do so. She is also known as the first woman to hoist India’s flag. Cama has inspired generations of Indians to fight for independence with courage and pride.

Born in the 19th century, Madam Cama’s life was full of dedication, sacrifice, and patriotism. She played an important role in spreading India’s voice across the world. Over the period she is still remembered for her contribution to freedom and equality.

Who was Madam Bhikaji Cama?

Madam Bhikaji Cama was a brave freedom fighter and social worker who worked for India’s independence. She was born on September 24, 1861, in Bombay (now Mumbai) in a Parsi family. Her full name was Bhikaji Rustom Cama.

She studied at Alexandra Girls’ English Institution and was a smart and kind student. During her time, India was under British rule, and many people wanted freedom. She got married to Rustom Cama, a rich lawyer who supported the British. But Madam Cama did not agree with him. She believed that India should be free, and she continued to work for her country’s independence with great courage.

Madam Bhikaji Cama Biography

In 1896, when a plague spread in Bombay, Madam Bhikaji Cama helped sick and poor people without fear. While helping others, she also got sick but slowly got better after a long time. This made her even stronger and more determined to help her country.

In 1902, she went to London for her treatment. There, she met famous Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Shyamji Krishna Varma, who were fighting for India’s freedom. Talking with them made her more involved in the freedom movement.

Later, she moved to Paris, where she started the Paris Indian Society with S.R. Rana and Munchershah Godrej. This group helped Indian freedom fighters living outside India. Madam Cama also printed newspapers like Bande Mataram and Madan’s Talwar to tell people about India’s struggle for independence.

Madam Bhikaji Cama History

Madam Bhikaji Cama was a fearless freedom fighter whose voice echoed across continents for India’s independence. Her life’s journey, marked by courage and conviction, continues to inspire generations.

Madam Bhikaji Cama Contribution to the Freedom Struggle

The contribution of Madam Bhikaji Cama in the freedom struggle was wide and influential. She not only spread awareness about India’s situation in Europe but also helped many young revolutionaries working in secret.

Her key contributions include:

Madam Cama also raised questions about women’s rights in her speeches. In one of her speeches in Cairo, she asked, “Sons of Egypt, where are your daughters? Where are your mothers and sisters?” This reflected her strong belief in gender equality.

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Madam Bhikaji Cama Unfurled Flag

The event where Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the flag in 1907 is one of the most celebrated moments in Indian history. She stood before an international audience in Stuttgart, Germany, and declared India’s right to freedom.

This act was historic because it happened forty years before India became free. The flag she held represented unity among all Indians, regardless of religion or region. It later became an inspiration for the Indian National Flag adopted in 1947.

First Woman to Hoist India’s Flag

Madam Bhikaji Cama is known as the first woman to hoist India’s flag for independence. Her action was a symbol of resistance and national pride. It showed that women were equally capable of leading the freedom struggle.

Her flag inspired future versions of the tricolour and was seen as a step towards the modern Indian flag we respect today.

Madam Bhikaji Cama’s Death and Legacy

Madam Bhikaji Cama passed away on August 13, 1936, at the age of 74. She returned to India a few years before her death after spending decades abroad working for the nation’s cause.

Her legacy continues to live on in modern India.

• In 1962, India issued a postage stamp in her honour.
• In 1997, the Indian Coast Guard named one of its vessels ICGS Bhikaji Cama.
• Streets and educational institutions across India bear her name.
• Her estate was donated to the Avabai Petit Trust, which helps orphaned girls.

Madam Bhikaji Cama will always be remembered as the Mother of the Indian Revolution — a woman who gave her life for her country’s freedom.

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