History, as it is often written, focuses on the loudest voices—the leaders, the icons, the men who stood at the forefront of battles. Yet, there is an undercurrent in every story, the quieter voices that are just as important, if not more so, in shaping the narrative. This is the story of those voices—15 women whose contributions to India’s Constitution are often overlooked, yet whose influence was foundational to the democracy we know today.

The year was 1946. India, having thrown off the chains of colonial rule, was embarking on a new chapter in its history. The Constituent Assembly, a body comprising 299 members, was tasked with drafting the Constitution of a free India. Among these members were 15 women who, through their intellect, courage, and determination, broke the barriers of gender, caste, and class. They were not just passive participants in the creation of the Constitution—they were active contributors to shaping the future of the nation.

This book seeks to uncover the hidden legacies of these remarkable women—figures like Sarojini Naidu, Hansa Mehta, Dakshayani Velayudhan, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit—who defied societal expectations and claimed their place in a political arena dominated by men. These women’s involvement was not simply symbolic; it was a driving force in the debates on gender equality, social justice, and individual rights, the very ideals that form the foundation of modern India.

While their names may not be as widely known as Dr B R Ambedkar or Jawaharlal Nehru, their voices were just as instrumental in shaping the provisions that continue to define our nation today. From the language of the Constitution to the very spirit of equality and justice that it enshrines, their mark is indelible. They argued for women’s rights, for the rights of marginalised communities, and for a country that would embrace secularism, diversity, and unity. Their advocacy went beyond words—it was about changing the fabric of a society, envisioning a nation where equality was not just an ideal but a lived reality.

But this book does more than merely recount their historical contributions. It ties their work to the contemporary struggles and achievements of women and marginalised groups in India. Today, as we continue to battle issues of gender inequality, caste-based discrimination, and the fight for fundamental rights, we can trace the roots of many of these movements back to the struggles these women faced in the 1940s. Their story is not just part of our past; it is a living, breathing part of our present.

In each chapter, we look closely into the life of one of these women—exploring their early influences, their roles in the freedom movement, and their vision for a free India. As we tell their stories, we begin to see that their contributions were not isolated acts; they were part of a larger, shared vision for a democratic and inclusive India. And as we move through the pages, we will also explore how their struggles and triumphs continue to resonate in contemporary India, where the fight for equality and justice remains as urgent as ever.

Through their resilience, determination, and firm belief in the power of democracy, these women helped shape the very essence of what India stands for today. This book aims not only to honour their contributions but to inspire us all. As we look back at their lives, we are reminded that the struggle for a just society is never over—it is ongoing, and every generation must carry the torch forward.

So, let us embark on this journey of rediscovery. Let us honour the Unsung Mothers of the Indian Constitution, whose courage and vision helped lay the foundation for the India we know today—and whose legacy continues to inspire the fight for a more just and equal society.

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