Akkamma Devi

Akkamma Devi is a shining example of the remarkable achievements possible when a young woman from a tribal community is empowered through education. Being the first woman member of parliament of the Nilgiris constituency, she shines as an inspiration for all women of the Badaga tribe. She broke several chains that restricted women from being a part of the larger society and contributed commendable works that empowered lakhs of women. Her part in the freedom movement even as a college girl and her continued dedication to public service as a Lok Sabha MP, as well as her prolific work as a social worker afterwards, are to be remembered forever.

Born on September 5, 1918, Akkamma Devi was the first woman Member of Parliament from ‘The Nilgiris' Constituency. Born in Beratty village, Akkamma was the second of seven children to Motha Gowder and Subbi. She married an ace sportsman, Joghi Gowder who belonged to the Hubbathalai village. 

She was the first woman Member of Parliament from the Badaga tribe, elected to the 3rd Lok Sabha (1962-1967), representing the Indian National Congress. She was the top choice for the seat by the then Chief Minister of Madras state,  stalwart K. Kamaraj, and won the election with a whooping 163420 votes, which is  52.54% of the total valid votes. She was a member of parliament during the time when Jawaharlal Nehru was Prime Minister. After Nehru's death, Lal Bahadur Shastri became Prime Minister. A year later, after Shastri's death, Indira Gandhi took over at the end of the 3rd Lok Sabha. During this tenure, Akkamma was appointed as a member of the Public Accounts Committee for two years, from  1964 to 1966. 

Akkamma Devi marks several ‘firsts’ in her public life. She was the first Indian to enter formal education at St.Joseph’s Convent, Coonoor. Her father, employed at the Pasteur Institute in Coonoor, was a liberal thinker due to his interactions with British officers. He believed in the importance of educating women and, recognizing Akkamma’s eagerness to learn, decided to enrol her at St. Joseph’s Convent. However, the school was originally established exclusively for British and Anglo-Indian students. So he sought the help of Dr. Cornwallis, the then-director of the Pasteur Institute. Through this intervention, Akkamma was able to receive a formal education.

After her schooling, she joined St Teresa College at Ernakulam, majoring in economics. It was the time of World War II and the Quit India movement was on pace in India. During this period, girls at the college were evicted to make way for soldiers to stay on the campus. In protest against this action, Akkamma, along with her friend Leela Menon, joined the Quit India Movement and both were arrested. Despite these hardships during her college years, Akkamma went on to become the first woman graduate from the Badaga tribe. Another instance to be noted here is that Leela Menon went on to become a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1974-1980, and she also entered the Kerala Legislative twice 1957 - 1964 and 1987 - 1991.

Akkamma Devi played a vital role in the establishment of INDCO factories, which has now grown to be India’s largest tea cooperative federation, that collaborates with over 30000 small tea growing farmers, producing 13 million kgs of tea dust annually, from 16 factories spread across the Nilgiris. 

She was also instrumental in establishing the polio vaccine unit at Pasteur Institute, which until then was only producing vaccines for rabies. 

Her efforts in establishing the Providence College for Women in the Nilgiris are commendable. The place was originally a palace of Maharaja of Cochin. With her persistent efforts, the college was established and helped lakhs of women in gaining a college education. 

During her lifetime she strongly stood for 33% reservation for women and equal pay rights

Her public life still stands as a testament to women's empowerment, especially to the tribal societies. With a life of inspiration, Akkamma Devi passed away on November 3, 2012. 

From raising her voice for women’s representation to being part of establishing several economic and educational institutions, she served in the best possible way with the kind of knowledge and authority that she possessed. Her responsible works will stand as a testament to what women can do when given the right freedom and opportunity. Through her life of public service, she proved to be a true elder of the Badaga Tribe.