Ammu Swaminathan: A Woman of Courage

Every Indian is proud of our constituent assembly's well-crafted and detailed constitution. However, the role of fifteen women who were members of the constituent assembly and helped write the Indian constitution is often not recognised. They all came from different backgrounds and are an inspiration to any woman who wants to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field. Ammu Swaminathan was one of those fifteen women from Kerala who had an unbreakable spirit and fought for justice her entire life.

Ammu Swaminathan,Image source: feminism in india

The constitution of India was adopted on November 26. It was the direct result of the constituent assembly's 114-days meetings over two years, eleven months, and eighteen days. While the popular imagination of the debates and discussions in the assembly is directed towards men from various backgrounds, it is fascinating that the contributions of fifteen women, who were members of the constituent assembly and helped draft India's constitution, are rarely acknowledged and recognised in public discourse.

Ammu Swaminathan, from Kerala's Palakkad district, was one of the fifteen women. Ammu, or Ammukutty, as she was popularly known, was born in 1894 and did not grow up in privilege. She was born into the Nair caste and was the daughter of a local official named P. Govinda Menon. She was born with a fighting spirit. Despite her lack of formal education due to financial constraints, she used to study at home.

Ammu, the youngest of nine sisters, married Subbarama Swaminathan when she was thirteen. Even though she was married in her adolescence, Ammu made certain that she got what she deserved and levied some conditions on her prospective husband before they married. She asked Subbarama, her then-fiancée, if they would move to Madras after marriage, if she would be given a formal English education, and, most importantly, if she would not be asked to come home early, as her brothers were never asked. Furthermore, the couple registered their marriage in England because the Sambadanam traditions of the Nair caste state that women cannot inherit property after marriage.

This particular anecdote from Ammu's life bears witness to her steadfast character, tough nature, and grit in achieving what she truly deserves, namely equality and respect.

Unsurprisingly, Ammu's marriage was a watershed moment in her life, and it was for the better. Ammu became interested in Mahatma Gandhi's life and work as a result of her husband's influence. She then immersed herself in political and social issues. Ammu was a staunch supporter of women's rights and co-founded the Women Indian Association in 1917 in Madras with Annie Beasant, Kamla Chattopadhayay, and Muthulakshmi Reddy. The association exclusively worked to secure women's rights.

Later, in 1934, Ammu joined the Indian National Congress and advocated for women's equal voting rights and political and social equality. Not only that, but she actively supported Gandhi's Quit India movement. She was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Madras in 1946, thanks to her unwavering dedication. The first constituent assembly saw Ammu fighting for women’s rights when she introduced the Sarda Act, the Age of Consent Act, and the Hindu Code Bills. They were all critical to women's liberation and empowerment in India after independence.

Ammu Swaminathan fought against everything that in her opinion, deprived a human being of their fair share throughout her life. She was aware of the stark inconsistencies in women's participation in public discourse, and for the same reason, she was able to make amends for the injustices faced by women by being an active member of the assembly. The constitution we have today must remind us of Ammu Swaminathan's empowering voice and fighter-like spirit. She was the woman who ensured that future generations of women would not face difficulties and obstacles in a typically a male-dominated sphere.

Ammu was an illuminating flame who helped brighten the pages of the Indian constitution by drawing on her personal experiences. Even after the constitution was adopted, she continued to record new accomplishments in her diary. She was elected Vice President of the Federation of Film Societies in 1959. Ammu Swaminathan continues to pave the way for women's empowerment with her inspiring persona and resilient character.