Who was the only woman in the first cabinet of India?

The first cabinet of independent India was formed on August 15, 1947, when India gained independence from British colonial rule. The cabinet was led by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was tasked with the responsibility of building a new nation and laying the foundation of a democratic, secular, and socialist India.

The only woman who served in the first cabinet of India was Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, who held the position of Minister of Health.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was born on February 2, 1889, in Lucknow, India. She was the daughter of Raja Sir Harnam Singh, the ruler of Kapurthala, a princely state in British India. Kaur received her early education at home and later went on to study at Oxford University in England.

Kaur was deeply influenced by the Indian independence movement, and upon returning to India, she joined the Indian National Congress, which was at the forefront of the struggle for independence. She became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, who had launched the non-cooperation movement against British rule in India.

Kaur was an ardent supporter of the idea of a free and independent India, and she played an active role in the freedom struggle. She worked tirelessly to promote the cause of Indian independence and was deeply involved in various social and political movements.

In 1937, Kaur was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly, which was the highest legislative body in India at the time. She was re-elected to the assembly in 1946, shortly before India gained independence.

After India became independent in 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru invited Kaur to join his cabinet as Minister of Health. Kaur accepted the offer and became the first woman to hold a cabinet post in independent India.

As Minister of Health, Kaur played a key role in building India's public health system. She was instrumental in the establishment of several medical colleges and hospitals across the country, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, which is considered one of the premier medical institutions in India.

Kaur was also responsible for the formulation of several policies and programs aimed at improving public health and healthcare in India. Under her leadership, India's healthcare system saw significant improvement, with a focus on preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, and the eradication of communicable diseases.

Kaur was also deeply committed to the welfare of women and children in India. She played a key role in the enactment of several laws aimed at protecting women's rights and promoting gender equality. She was a vocal advocate for the rights of women and children and worked tirelessly to ensure that they were not marginalized in India's development.

Kaur's contribution to the development of India's public health system and the promotion of women's rights was widely recognized, both in India and internationally. In 1950, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for her contributions to public service.

Kaur remained a member of Nehru's cabinet until 1957 when she resigned due to health reasons. However, she continued to be active in public life and was a vocal advocate for social and political reform in India until she died in 1964.

In conclusion, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was a pioneering figure in the Indian independence movement and a trailblazer for women in politics. As India's first female cabinet minister, she made significant contributions to the development of India's public health system and the promotion of women's rights. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in India and around the world.