Kripalani, Sucheta (1908–1974)

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Kripalani, Sucheta (1908–1974)

Indian nationalist and politician. Name variations: Sucheta Mazumdar. Born Sucheta Mazumdar on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, India; died 1974 in New Delhi; dau. of S.N. Mazumdar (doctor); Government Woman's College, Lahore, Pakistan, BA; University of Delhi, MA; m. Jiwatram Bhagwandas Kripalani (politician), April 1936 (died 1982).

India's 1st woman chief minister, taught at Benares Hindu University; established Women's Section of Indian National Congress (INC) and became secretary (1939); was head of Foreign Department of INC; was imprisoned by British authorities for participation in India's freedom struggle (1940–42, 1944–45); elected to Constituent Assembly of India from state of Uttar Pradesh (UP, 1946); was a member of Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament) (1952–56, 1957–62, 1967–71); became UP Cabinet minister for Labor, for Community Development, and for Industry (1962); was chief minister of UP (1963–67); helped found Tibetan Relief Committee and the social welfare organization, Lok Kalyan Samiti.

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