Meira Kumar created history in 2009 by becoming the first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. A seasoned politician and diplomat, Kumar brought integrity, impartiality, and parliamentary experience to her role as Speaker. During her tenure, she presided over crucial legislative sessions, ensuring smooth and orderly proceedings while upholding the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and parliamentary decorum. Kumar’s leadership as Speaker played a vital role in fostering constructive debate, consensus-building, and effective governance in India’s parliamentary system. Her groundbreaking achievement inspired women across the country and underscored the importance of gender diversity and representation in positions of power and leadership. Meira Kumar’s tenure as the first woman Speaker left an enduring legacy in Indian parliamentary history, symbolizing progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Indian politics.

Anna Rajam Malhotra made history in 1951 as the first woman to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), India’s premier civil service. Despite facing gender bias and societal expectations, Malhotra persevered, demonstrating exceptional competence and dedication in her role. Her pioneering achievement shattered stereotypes and inspired countless women to pursue careers in the civil services. Throughout her distinguished career, Malhotra served in various administrative capacities, contributing significantly to the nation’s development and governance. She played a crucial role in shaping policies and implementing reforms aimed at promoting social justice, economic progress, and administrative efficiency. Malhotra’s legacy continues to inspire generations of aspiring civil servants, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women seeking to break barriers and make meaningful contributions to public service in India.

Justice M. Fathima Beevi made history in 1989 as the first woman to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. A distinguished jurist and trailblazer, Justice Beevi’s appointment marked a significant milestone in India’s judicial history and represented a triumph over gender bias and discrimination in the legal profession. Throughout her illustrious career, Justice Beevi demonstrated exemplary judicial acumen, integrity, and dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality before the law. Her landmark judgments and commitment to fairness and impartiality earned her widespread respect and admiration from both the legal fraternity and the public. Justice Beevi’s pioneering role paved the way for more women to pursue careers in the judiciary and inspired a new generation of female jurists to aspire to the highest echelons of the Indian legal system.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur made history in 1947 as the first woman to serve as a Union Minister in India. Appointed as the Minister of Health in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet, Kaur played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and initiatives in the nascent years of independent India. A dedicated social reformer and champion of women’s rights, Kaur’s tenure as Health Minister was marked by her efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, promote sanitation, and combat diseases. Her leadership and advocacy contributed significantly to the establishment of institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which became pillars of India’s healthcare infrastructure. Kaur’s groundbreaking achievement shattered gender barriers in Indian governance and inspired generations of women to aspire to leadership roles in public service, leaving an indelible mark on India’s political history.

Kiran Bedi made history in 1972 as the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), the premier law enforcement agency in India. Known for her dedication, courage, and innovative approach to policing, Bedi embarked on a distinguished career marked by numerous accomplishments and accolades. As an IPS officer, she served in various capacities, including as the Superintendent of Police in several districts, where she implemented bold reforms to tackle crime and promote community engagement. Bedi’s commitment to public service and her unwavering integrity earned her widespread admiration and respect. She later went on to serve as the Director General of Police in several states, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in Indian law enforcement. Bedi’s groundbreaking achievements inspired generations of women to pursue careers in policing and reaffirmed the invaluable contributions of women in maintaining law and order in society.