- She was globally recognised as a woman leader and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Ramon Magsaysay award, and the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
- Born on September 7, 1933, in Ahmedabad, ElaBen grew up in a family deeply involved in social causes and today is her second death anniversary
- In 1972, Elaben founded the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), now one of the largest cooperatives in India, with over two million members spanning 18 states and neighboring countries
NE FEATURES BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 2
Elaben Bhatt, a globally recognized leader in women’s empowerment, was celebrated for her transformative work in organizing the informal sector to foster self-employment and uplift women, not only in India but across South Asia. Among her many accolades were the Padma Bhushan, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize. Her life’s work remains a guiding light for women striving for empowerment worldwide.
In 1972, Elaben founded the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), now one of the largest cooperatives in India, with over two million members spanning 18 states and neighboring countries. SEWA’s mission of empowering women through self-reliance has become a beacon of hope for women across generations.
Her pioneering spirit caught the attention of global leaders. In 2007, she joined The Elders, a group of world leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to promote peace and human rights globally. She also served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha and the Planning Commission of India in the 1980s. Her influence extended to the international stage, where she served as an advisor to the World Bank, co-founded Women’s World Banking, and addressed the United Nations General Assembly.
Elaben’s legacy of social reform and empowerment is a reflection of the values deeply rooted in her family. Her son, Mihir R. Bhatt, a distinguished Indian architect and researcher, continues the family’s commitment to meaningful change. His wife, Reema Nanavaty, a Padma Shri awardee, has also been active for over three decades in organizing women into cooperative organizations, enterprises, and trade unions across India. Together, they embody the ethos of social responsibility that Elaben championed—a truly remarkable family dedicated to uplifting society.
In 2012, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lauded Elaben’s efforts, stating, “I have a lot of heroes and heroines around the world, and one of them is Ela Bhatt, who started an organization called SEWA in India many years ago.”
Born on September 7, 1933, in Ahmedabad, ElaBen grew up in a family deeply involved in social causes. Her father, Sumant Bhatt, was a lawyer and the Charity Commissioner for Bombay and later Gujarat, while her mother, Vanalila Vyas, served as secretary of the Gujarat branch of the All India Women’s Conference, working for educational and social reforms.
Hollywood producer Jay Patel, who met Elaben in 2022, fondly recalls their meeting as one of the golden moments of his life. “Getting to know the renowned founder of SEWA was a profound experience. Her humility, wisdom, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on me,” Jay shared.
Jay describes Elaben as a modern-day Gandhian, a practitioner of non-violence and self-reliance who believed that financial and emotional independence were critical for women’s empowerment. Despite receiving the highest civilian honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Ramon Magsaysay Award, Elaben remained grounded, elegant, and approachable.
During their nearly three-hour meeting, Jay and his friend, director Abhishek Dudhaiya, were captivated by her simplicity and forward-thinking approach. “Elaben’s motherly affection, her warmth, and her smile as she served me a cup of ginger masala tea will remain etched in my heart forever,” Jay reflected.
Her passing away has been mourned by many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted in Gujarati, “Sad to know about the death of Elaben Bhatt. She will be remembered long for her work in women’s empowerment, social service, and youth education. Condolences to her family members and admirers.”
Other leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, expressed their grief, saying, “Saddened by the demise of noted activist and Padma Bhushan awardee Smt. Ela Bhatt. She devoted her life to Gandhian ideals and transformed the lives of millions of women by empowering them.”
Tributes also poured in from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and countless other political and social leaders, underscoring the immense impact of her life’s work.
As the world reflects on the life and legacy of Elaben Bhatt, her contributions to women’s empowerment, social reform, and human rights will continue to inspire generations to come. Through her vision, she has left an enduring imprint on the global movement for equality and justice.
