IN Kerala’s rich political history, three extraordinary women—Dakshayani Velayudhan, K R Gouriyamma, and KK Shailaja—stand united by a century of shared destinies, unwavering doggedness and lasting influence. Dakshayani was the sole female Dalit member in the Constituent Assembly, Gouriyamma served as the inaugural Revenue Minister in the world’s first democratically elected communist government in Kerala, while more recently, Shailaja garnered international recognition for her exemplary leadership in public health administration during the COVID crisis as the southern state’s Health minister.
The three women embody awe-inspiring narratives of unwavering resilience against the intersecting forces of caste and gender-based oppression. Each of them left an indelible mark as exceptional political leaders. Their narratives also serve as a testament to the enduring power of patriarchy, which often seeks to suppress and marginalise outspoken women.
Born in 1912 on Bolghatty, a tiny island off Kochi’s coast, Dakshayani hailed from a ‘Pulaya’ family, among Kerala’s most marginalised agrarian slave castes. Her birth coincided with a transformative era in Kerala, characterised by pioneering equality and recognition efforts, cultivated by the struggles led by the legendary Dalit leader Mahatma Ayyankali (1863-1941).
This story is from the October 11, 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 11, 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Muslim Question
In the time of polarisation politics and othering, how to respond to the banality of hate?
Voters' Cold Wave
Heat wave, voter apathy and cyclic migration are blamed for the poor voter turnout in Bihar. Political parties are clueless about what impact will it have on election results
Occupy Ivy League
Students protesting in American universities are asking the US government to rethink its policy towards Israel
Left Side Story
Personal attacks, lower voter turnout and the BJP’s determined campaigning: how has Kerala voted this time?
Across the Pir Panjals
The newly carved-out constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri is set to witness a very close contest
Gashes in the Red Sand
Residents of the tribal district of Gadchiroli resist development models that destroy the environment
When Taps and Hope Run Dry
Peaking water scarcity and pervasive groundwater contamination have increased migration from many districts of Rajasthan.
Pilgrim's Politics
Two-time MP from Varanasi, Narendra Modi, is sculpting the eternal city in his image
Under The Model Town
Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad are dilapidated and neglected
The Master Strategist
The Assam chief minister enjoys popularity both as an administrator and a politician despite his relentless anti-Muslim rhetoric