I am a constant seeker of mossback person because they are a treasure of experiences and stories, you simply can't beat their analytical observations and descriptive mind. Hopping from one cafe to another a story which I found was way enough to influence and true enough to be felt. Story from Bengal, eastern State of India which is well known for its significant architectural beauty with varying patterns. This part of India was the capital of British India which influenced intermingling of various styles and tastes. From cuisines to literature, beach to pilgrimages Bengal undoubtedly hold an evince presence in India. Bengal was privileged to be a part of many astonishing events which created history and one among them was India's first woman honours graduate in British India (which was before independence). Kamini Roy, a Bengali poetess, social activist and well known feminist. She was president of the 'Bengali Literacy Conference’ in 1930 and Vice President of 'Bangiya Sahitya Parishad’ in 1932-1933. Kamini Roy was born on 12 October, 1864 in Basanda village which is now a part of Bangladesh. She joined Bethune School in 1883 and became the first girl to attend school in British India. She was inspired by Rabindranath Tagore and had an inclination towards poetry despite her interest in Maths. Unlike today women were not aware of their rights and were restricted by boundaries, there were limitations even on their thoughts, deeds and opinions. She picked up the cue of feminism especially for equal rights for women's education. Kamini Roy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with Sanskrit honours from Bethune College, University of Calcutta and started teaching there after her degree. After her graduation, Kamini Roy published 'Alo O Chhaya’ in 1889, her first book of poems. She was always against the atrocities on women and raised her voice in that era when it was considered as a grave deed. Her quotes can make the hopeless world to feel like fireflies dancing. “The male desire to rule is primary, if not only, stumbling block to women's enlightenment...They are extremely suspicious of women's emancipation, Why? The same old fear- ‘Lest they become like us’.” She struggled and raised her voice for equality, breaking the irrelevant stereotypes with her profound thoughts. She broke the major stereotype by getting married at the age of 30. Kamini Roy was very dedicated social activist, working for women's education and alleviating the condition of widows. Her work towards the mission “Right to Vote” for Bengali women was a big victory in 1926 and definite milestone in golden pages of history. Her Literacy contributions, 'Mahasweta’, 'Pouraniki’, 'Dwip O Dhup’, 'Jibon Pathey’, 'Nirmalya’, 'Ashok Sangeet’, 'Gunjan’, 'Balika Sikkhar Adarsha’ ignited hopes and inspired social transformations. Roy's favourite quote of mine is, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Kamini Roy was honoured by 'Jagattarini Gold Medal’ and was an active member of 'Female Labour Investigation Commission’ (1992-1993). She led an organisation with Kumudini Mitra and Mrinalini Sen to fight for women's suffrage. She was a believer who challenged societal norms and fought for equality. She not only wrote but believed and proved her words by fighting for, ‘Why should a woman be confined to the home and denied her rightful place in society?’ She worked with her pen and enriched womanhood in every possible way with respect to art, literature and rights. Kamini Roy devoted her life for writings and rights and died on 27th September, 1993 leaving behind legacy and inspiration for millions of men and women of the country.
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