Unsung Heroes Detail

Ambujammal was born on 8 January 1899 to the couple S. Srinivasa Iyengar and Ranganayaki at Madras. Early in her life, she was fascinated by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas, especially his constructive socio-economic program. This interest made her closely associate with Sister Subbalakshmi, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, and Margaret Cousins. Ambujammal qualified as a teacher and taught at Sarada Vidyalaya girls’ school. She was a committee member of the Sarada Ladies Union from 1929 to 1936. In 1929, she was nominated Treasurer of the Women's Swadeshi League, Madras. This League was a non-political wing of Congress, implementing Gandhi's social and economic programs. She joined with several women who donated their jewelry to support the national movement – at Gandhi's request. She was a strong proponent of Swadeshi and embraced Khadi. She joined the Salt Satyagraha and was arrested. Ambujammal actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and boycotted foreign goods and clothes; she was even imprisoned twice for six months in 1932. She dedicated her life to the cause of India’s freedom and inspired several women. She has written three books about Gandhi in Tamil. In 1964 Ambujammal won the Padma Shri award. She passed away on 6 October 1983.